Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

DENTAL HYGIENE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Thursday, September 11, 2008

DENTAL HYGIENE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I really have to floss daily?
Yes, next to brushing, flossing is the most important thing that you can do to ensure good oral health. By brushing and flossing we can help eliminate the bacteria which can lead to bad breath, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.

Which is the best toothbrush to use?
It does not matter which brand of toothbrush you use as long as you brush properly twice a day and floss once a day. However, it is recommended that you use a soft bristle toothbrush and that you replace it every 3 months.

What is fluoride and why is it so important?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that safely strengthens teeth. Both adults and children can benefit from fluoride when used daily. Fluoride has been proven to help strengthen tooth enamel, which helps in reducing dental cavities as well as slow down the growth of bacteria in the mouth.

What is the difference between the fluoride in my toothpaste and the prescription fluoride that I receive at the dental office?
Fluoride that is found in over the counter toothpastes contains only 0.243% fluoride and is usually rinsed out after brushing. Prescription fluoride contains 1.1% fluoride and the directions recommend that you wait 30 min before rinsing, eating or drinking. Patients with multiple restorations, exposed root surfaces, or with dry mouth are especially at risk for increased decay. A prescription toothpaste with high fluoride content is most helpful for these patients.

What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a form of gum disease. It is a chronic infection of the gums which is characterized by a loss of attachment between the tooth and the jawbone. It is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States.

What is periodontal therapy or scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing and periodontal therapy are the most common and conservative forms of treatment for periodontal disease. Scaling is the removal of calculus (commonly called tartar) and plaque that attach to the tooth surfaces. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Plaque is more likely to stick to rough surfaces. For this reason, the root surface is smoothed down in a process called root planing. Root planing removes any remaining calculus and smoothes irregular areas of the root surface. For most adults, it may take several appointments to complete a full mouth treatment.

What is ARESTIN®?
ARESTIN® is an effective antibiotic treatment that comes in powder form. This powder is easily placed inside infected periodontal pockets just after the dental professional finishes the scaling and root planing (SRP) or periodontal therapy procedure.

How does ARESTIN® work?
ARESTIN® contains "microspheres", which are tiny, bead-like particles that are smaller than grains of sand and are not visible to the naked eye. The Microspheres are filled with the antibiotic Minocycline, and they release the drug over time into the infected periodontal pocket, killing bacteria that live there for up to 21 days.

How often should adults get their teeth professionally cleaned?
It is recommended that most adults should get a professional cleaning every 3 to 4 months in order to prevent and or maintain periodontal disease.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.