ORAL HYGIENE
Preventative Dental Care in Sunnyvale, CA
Preventative
Dental Care
in Sunnyvale, CA
Why is Oral Hygiene So Important?
Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than from cavities, affecting three out of four adults at some point. The best way to prevent decay and periodontal disease is through effective daily brushing and flossing.
Periodontal disease and decay are caused by bacterial plaque, a colorless film that constantly forms and sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Thorough daily care removes these germs and is your primary defense in preserving your oral health.
The Professional Guide to Daily Dental Care
1. How to Brush Teeth
Consistency is key, but technique is everything.
Our doctors recommend using a soft toothbrush.
The Angle: Position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet.
The Motion: Use small, gentle circular strokes for the outside surfaces.
The Inside: Hold the brush vertically for front teeth using back-and-forth strokes. Don’t forget the biting surfaces and surrounding gum tissue.
The Finish: Rinse vigorously to remove loosened plaque.
2. How to Floss Properly
Periodontal disease often starts where a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from these hard-to-reach areas. However, it is important to develop the proper technique.
Preparation: Start with about 18” of floss (waxed is often easier). Wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the middle finger of the other.
The Technique: To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert it between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion—avoid forcing or snapping the floss into place. Once you reach the gum line, curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel light resistance.
Detailed Care: Move the floss up and down against the side of the tooth, remembering that there are two surfaces to be cleaned in every space. Continue this for all teeth, being careful not to cut the gum tissue. For the bottom teeth, guide the floss using your forefingers. Don’t forget to clean the back side of the last tooth on both the upper and lower arches.
Final Step: When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to remove any loosened plaque and food particles.
Note: Do not be alarmed if your gums bleed or feel slightly sore during the first week. If they hurt, you may be flossing too hard or pinching the tissue. As you remove plaque daily, your gums will heal, and the bleeding should stop.
Choosing the Right Oral Hygiene Products
With so many dental products available, finding the right fit for your routine can be difficult. To make it easier, here are a few expert suggestions that work effectively for most of our patients.
01 | Toothbrushes & Irrigators
Automatic and “high-tech” electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective. We see excellent results with brands like Rotadent and Interplak. While oral irrigators (water spraying devices) rinse the mouth thoroughly, they do not remove plaque alone—they must be used in conjunction with brushing and flossing.
02 | Specialized Massage & Cleaning Tools
Some brushes feature a rubber tip for massaging gums after brushing. Interproximal brushes can also clean between teeth, but proper use is vital to avoid injuring the gums. Please discuss the correct technique with us during your visit.
03 | Toothpaste & Fluoride Rinses
When used with daily care, fluoride products can reduce decay by as much as 40%. However, these rinses are not recommended for children under six.
04 | Tartar vs. Gum Disease
While tartar control toothpastes reduce buildup above the gum line, remember that gum disease starts below it. These products are not proven to reduce early-stage gum disease. For that, ADA-approved anti-plaque rinses are recommended alongside brushing and flossing.
Caring for Sensitive Teeth
Sometimes teeth are sensitive to hot and cold after treatment. This is usually temporary, provided the mouth is kept clean. If sensitivity remains or becomes severe, consult with our doctors. We may recommend medicated toothpastes or rinses specifically designed for sensitive teeth.
The Role of Professional Dental Cleaning
While daily brushing and flossing are vital, a professional dental cleaning is necessary to remove calculus (tartar) in places your toothbrush and floss miss. These visits are an essential part of your program to prevent gum disease and keep your teeth for a lifetime.
Expert Care for
Your Lasting Smile
Expert Care for Your Lasting Smile
Our caring staff is here to help you understand your oral health and provide the gentle, expert care you deserve.