Preventative Care
Plaque and Calculus (tartar) are two of the most important contributing factors in tooth decay and gum disease.
What is plaque?
Contrary to popular perception, plaque is not food residue. It is a clear, sticky deposit of bacteria that sticks to teeth surface and gum tissue. Plaque contains many types of bacteria, and cause various tooth ailments like dental decay, calculus formation, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), etc.
While the formation of plaque depends upon the constitution of an individual, plaque formation can begin in as little as 4 hours after brushing teeth. Plaque can be removed only by mechanical cleansing.
Calculus or tartar
Calculus / tartar is plaque that is accumulated over a period of time. It is a mineralized form of plaque that forms a tough, crusty deposit. Only a dentist can remove tartar.
Calculus deposits are a prime factor in periodontal disease as a layer of nonmineralized plaque always covers it. The calculus keeps the plaque close to the gingival tissue and makes it much more difficult to remove the plaque bacteria.
The formation of calculus can be controlled by using ADA accepted tartar control toothpaste and by having professional tooth cleanings every 6 months or earlier.
Brushing Techniques
It is generally agreed that a soft, rounded nylon bristle brush is most effective for cleaning teeth, Care should be taken to see that brushes are changed every 3-4 months or when the bristles are frayed.
While brushing, the head of the brush should be placed beside the teeth, with the bristles angled against the gum line where both the teeth and gums meet. Move the brush back and forth several times across each tooth individually, with the bristles contacting both tooth and gums.
Use a gentle scrubbing motion and a short stroke. Do not attempt to force the bristles under the gum line - let it happen naturally.
While brushing, use short back and forth strokes for the outer surfaces of the upper and lower teeth, and the inside surfaces. It may be convenient to use the brush up and down vertically while brushing the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth.
End brushing by scrubbing the chewing surfaces of the upper / lower teeth gently. For a fresh breath, you can also brush your tongue.
We also recommend using of electric toothbrushes instead of the conventional brushes. Electric brushes impart the proper motion needed to clean your teeth.
Flossing
Flossing should be done under both sides of each flap of gum tissue between your teeth.
Take about 15 -18 inches of floss and wind it securely around your middle finger of both the hands. Grasping the floss with the thumb and forefinger of each hand, pull the floss taut and insert it between adjacent teeth.
Use a gentle sawing motion; scraping both the surfaces using a C shaped movement of the hands. Uncoil fresh string of floss as it becomes frayed.
Rinse your mouth thoroughly after you finish.
For more information on flossing, pl. contact us at Caliber Dental.
