Be it a simple filling or an implant-supported crown, maintaining good dental and gum health is a shared responsibility of the dentist and the patient. Yes, you heard it right! Getting your braces for a perfect set of teeth, an implant and crown for your lost tooth or a cosmetic dental treatment, long term success of the treatment is based on good care of your gums and teeth on a daily basis.
So, the next question arises? What is the right way to brush and which toothbrush/paste do you recommend? There are so many tooth brushes/tooth pastes available on the shelves that you may be confused which one to pick up. A medium textured bristle with a flexible handle is preferred. A good powered brush is a very good recommendation too. Any good tooth paste which is not gritty can be used. Brushing twice is mandatory using the method shown in the image below.
When you have bridges and crowns in your mouth, maintaining good gum health can be very challenging. So, cleaning in between your teeth and beneath your gums on a daily basis is mandatory. Using dental floss and small interdental brushes between your teeth and gums will help you in maintaining your gums, teeth and crowns in perfect health. If you are wearing braces for aligning your teeth, using orthodontic brushes and a fluoride mouthwash to prevent decay from forming as the braces make it difficult for you to brush effectively.
Interdental flossing is as important as brushing. Your toothbrush cannot effectively reach in the small space between your teeth. Dental floss is a thin thread which can be inserted between your teeth and used in the method shown below. Flossing along with toothbrushing everyday maintains your dental and gum health in perfect condition.
Brushing and flossing daily goes a long way in keeping away decay and gum diseases. Visiting your dentist every six months or at least once a year can detect cavities and gum diseases early, thus minimizing treatment costs and avoiding advanced treatments like extraction, root canal treatment and gum surgeries.