Brushing Technique

One of the most effective and easy way to brush teeth is the "roll" technique. You should roll the toothbrush from gum to tooth at least three times for each tooth. You should also follow a routine: start from the most posterior teeth (the most difficult to reach), first clean the inside (lingual areas) and then the outside (vestibular areas) with moderate pressure and only at the end brush the chewing areas (occlusal surface) with vigorous horizontal strokes.

You must remember that brushing alone, even if done properly, does not clean interdental surfaced of teeth. A proper hygiene of these areas must be done everyday with the dental floss or proximal-brush.

Flossing Technique

There are different kinds of dental floss (waxed, nowaxed, tape, super, ultra, glide etc.). They are all able to remove plaque from interproximal surfaces if properly used. You should choose the one that fits according to your mouth. Take about 18" of the floss and

Take about 18" of the floss and wrap one end around the right middle finger and the other end around the left middle finger, leaving a 2" length between them. Using your thumbs or forefingers, gently slide the floss between teeth, circling it around each tooth, and move it up and down in order to scrape the side of each tooth also below the gum line. Move on to the next proximal space and don't forget the back side of your last tooth.

Chemical Products

- The use of Fluorides provides the most effective method for dental caries prevention and control. A little bit of fluoride each day (in pastes, rinses, or gels) can remineralize tooth surfaces giving a good cavity protection.

- Clorexidine is a strong antiseptic agent, able to destroy most of the bacteria in the mouth for a long time. Because is very powerful it has to be used with moderation, and only when prescribed by the dentist. It can be used twice a day but no more than 15-20 days. An abuse of the product can lead to mucosal inflammation and bacterial resistance. Clorexidine is available over the counter in rinses and gel and is prescribed when it's impossible to perform regular oral hygiene.

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