NORTH TEXAS PERIODONTICS & IMPLANTOLOGY, PLLC

Diagnostic technology and new surgical techniques have broadened dental horizons, but it is still the caring attitude and concern for our patients that is most important. While there have been significant advancements in periodontal therapy, there is no cure for gum disease. Even after successful, corrective therapy and surgical intervention, your gum disease can recur. For the majority of patients with periodontal disease (~90%), regular periodontal maintenance cleanings have proven to be effective in preventing recurrence of gum disease. This phase is an essential part of treatment. Often, this can be the most important part of your therapy.



OUR MISSION STATEMENT: Our hygiene mission at North Texas Periodontics & Implantology is to propel our patients toward optimum oral & systemic health utilizing the best techniques, technology, and education available to us.



Friday, March 1, 2013

Hygiene Basics: Water Flossing 101


If you have large spaces between your teeth where food traps, have limited dexterity, or a lot of crowns and bridges in your mouth then water flossing may be a good solution for you. We recommend patients use their water flosser after brushing and flossing regularly. These patients report that food and debris was flushing out even after a thorough brush and floss.

There are several brands of water flossers available but this article will focus on the Waterpik, as this is what most of our patients use.

A study was conducted at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and the USC Center for Biofilms concerning the effectiveness of the Waterpik in removing the Plaque Biofilm.  They treated teeth to three seconds of medium pressure with the Classic Jet and Orthodontic Waterpik tips. Afterwards, they were evaluated by a scanning electron microscope.  The results of the study revealed 99.9% removal of the plaque biofilm (see photo).



As mentioned previously, we recommend using a Waterpik in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing.


And the following video is provided by Waterpik, explaining how to use a waterpik: