West Point Family Dental
Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is crucial because adults over 35 often lose more teeth to gum disease than cavities. About three out of four adults will face gum issues at some point. Good daily brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent both cavities and gum disease.
Both gum disease and tooth decay are caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film that forms on your teeth along the gum line. By brushing and flossing daily, you can remove this plaque and help prevent gum disease.
How to Brush Your Teeth
If you have any discomfort while brushing or need help with your technique, please call us at (662) 262-6300.
Dr. Smith recommends using a soft toothbrush. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently brush in a circular motion with light pressure. Make sure to brush the outside surfaces of your teeth, then do the same for the inside surfaces of your back teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth, hold the brush vertically and make gentle back-and-forth strokes. Don’t forget to brush the surrounding gum tissue.
For the biting surfaces of your teeth, use short, gentle strokes. Adjust the brush position as needed to reach all surfaces. Check in the mirror to make sure you clean every area. Rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove any loosened plaque.
Preventative Care
How to Floss
Flossing helps remove plaque between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Here’s how to do it properly:
Start with about 18 inches of floss (waxed floss is easier). Wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the middle finger of the other hand.
For the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between your thumb and forefinger. Gently insert the floss between your teeth with a back-and-forth motion. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and slide it into the space between the gum and tooth. Move the floss up and down along the side of the tooth. Repeat for all upper teeth, and be careful not to cut your gums. Use a fresh section of floss as it becomes dirty.
For the lower teeth, guide the floss with your forefingers. Remember to floss the back side of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower.
After flossing, rinse your mouth with water to remove plaque and food particles. It’s normal for gums to bleed or feel sore during the first week of flossing. If flossing causes pain, you might be doing it too hard. Regular flossing will help your gums heal and stop the bleeding.
Caring for Sensitive Teeth
After dental treatments, your teeth might be sensitive to hot and cold. This sensitivity usually doesn’t last long if you maintain good oral hygiene. If sensitivity persists, consult your doctor. They may suggest a special toothpaste or mouth rinse for sensitive teeth.
Choosing Oral Hygiene Products
With so many products available, choosing the right ones can be confusing. Here are some tips:
- Electric Toothbrushes: Safe and effective for most people. Brands like Rotadent and Interplak are recommended.
- Oral Irrigators: These can rinse your mouth well but don’t replace brushing and flossing.
- Rubber-Tip Toothbrushes: Used for massaging gums. Be careful to use these correctly to avoid gum injury.
- Interproximal Brushes: Clean between teeth but should be used with caution.
Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses can help reduce tooth decay by up to 40%, but avoid using them for children under six. Tartar control toothpastes help reduce tartar above the gum line but don’t address early gum disease.
Anti-plaque rinses approved by the American Dental Association can help manage early gum disease when used with brushing and flossing.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Daily brushing and flossing help minimize dental calculus, but professional cleanings are necessary to remove buildup that your toothbrush and floss can’t reach. Regular visits to our office are a key part of maintaining your oral health and preventing gum disease.
SPECIALIZING IN EXCELLENT CARE
Located in West Point, MS, also serving the communities of
Brandon MS • Flowood MS • Richland MS
- Office Location
26652 East Main Street
West Point MS 39773
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