ORAL HEALTH

If you have any pain while brushing or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to call Bellagio Dental Implant Center in North Palm Beach, FL, Phone Number (561) 705-0045.

Dr. Rose Farrah and Dr. Laya Gholami recommend using a soft to medium toothbrush. Position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort.

When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, make sure you follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth.

For proper cleaning of the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold your brush vertically. Use a gentle back and forth strokes over each tooth and always gently brush the surrounding gums.

Cleaning the biting surfaces comes next, which should be done with short, gentle strokes. You can change the orientation of the brush as often as you may need to reach all surfaces. Use the mirror to your benefit to make sure you hit all surfaces. When you are complete, rinse the mouth to remove any loosened plaque.

Gum disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach.

To help battle gum disease, flossing is essential in removing the plaque in the hard-to-reach areas. With that said, it is important to develop proper flossing technique. Try following some of these flossing instructions- but remember, it takes time to practice:

proper flossing technique can help you maintain a healthy mouth

Start with a piece of floss (waxed is usually easier) about 18″ long. Lightly wrap a majority of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand.

In order to clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or try to snap it into place. Simply bring the floss to the gumline then curve it into a “C-shape” against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth. Remember there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space. Continue flossing each side of all the upper teeth. Be careful not to cut the gum tissue between the teeth. As the floss becomes soiled, turn from one finger to the other to get a fresh section.

To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of both hands. Do not forget the backside of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower.

When you have finished flossing, rinse the mouth with water to remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while flossing you could be doing it too hard or pinching the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.

Caring for Sensitive Teeth

Sometimes after dental treatment, the teeth can become more sensitive to hot and cold. This should not last long, but only if the mouth is kept clean. If the mouth is not kept clean, the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. If your teeth are especially sensitive consult with your Herald Square dentist. They may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse made especially for sensitive teeth.