Hygiene Basics: Floss a Bridge 101

Floss threaders are flexible plastic designed with a loop at the end to enable the floss to be threaded underneath a fixed bridge.

Step 1: Thread a piece of floss (14-16 inches long) through the loop, leaving one end twice as long as the other.

Step 2: Insert the non-looped end of the flosser between the gumline and the bridge.

Step 3: Gently pull the threader all the way through, leaving only the floss between the gum and bridge.

Step 4: Holding on the each of the floss, you can move the floss back and forth underneath the bridge. Be sure to floss all the way across the bridge, from where it starts to where it ends.

Step 5: Let go of one end of the floss and slowly and gently pull the floss from under the bridge.

Worn Out

Does Your Toothbrush Look Like This?

Brushing regularly will help you maintain a healthy smile. However, if you're not changing your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head regularly, you may not be as effective as you think.

When toothbrush bristles become flared or tilted, they tend to loose their ability to clear food and debris from the nooks and crannies of your teeth.

The ADA recommends we replace our toothbrushes approximately every 3–4 months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed with use.

The ADA's Council on Scientific Affairs, in November 2011 stated the following:

(Warning: Scientific Content)

"In recent years, scientists have studied whether toothbrushes may harbor microorganisms that could cause oral and/or systemic infection. We know that the oral cavity is home to hundreds of different types of microorganisms; therefore, it is not surprising that some of these microorganisms are transferred to a toothbrush during use. It may also be possible for microorganisms that are present in the environment where the toothbrush is stored to establish themselves on the brush.

Although studies have shown that various microorganisms can grow on toothbrushes after use, and other studies have examined various methods to reduce the level of these bacteria, there is insufficient clinical evidence to support that bacterial growth on toothbrushes will lead to specific adverse oral or systemic health effects."

Here are some "common sense" tips for caring for your toothbrush (as recommended by the ADA):

Do not share toothbrushes. Sharing a toothbrush could result in an exchange of germs between the users. This practice could be a particular concern for persons with compromised immune systems or existing infectious diseases.

Thoroughly rinse toothbrushes with tap water after brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. Store the brush in an upright position if possible and allow the toothbrush to air-dry until used again.

Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers. A moist environment such as a closed container is more conducive to the growth of bugs than the open air.

Replace toothbrushes at least every 3–4 months. Toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient. Check brushes often for this type of wear and replace them more frequently if needed.

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:

Hygiene Basics: Flossing 101

Cliché as it may be, a dental hygienist is always going to nag you about your flossing habits and technique.  This is because proper flossing removes plaque and food debris in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach — under the gum line and between your teeth.

Here are a few tips to make the arduous process of flossing a little bit easier.

First, start with about 15-18 inches of floss.

Then, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work between the teeth.  Anchoring the floss around the middle fingers allows our most dexterous fingers, the thumb and index finger, free to do most of the maneuvering.

Next, hold the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers and move it back and forth until it moves gently between your teeth.

The key to great flossing is curving the floss around the tooth, like a C, and make sure you slide beneath the gum line.

Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

Finally, to remove the floss, use the same back and forth motion to move through the contact of the teeth, or you can simply let one finger free of the floss and pull the floss through the space.

Click here to view Colgate's educational video of proper flossing technique.

Manual verses Powered Toothbrushes

Have you ever wondered if springing for the more expensive toothbrush was worth it?

In addition to things like brushing time and technique, experts believe that the type of toothbrush you use can directly affect your plaque removal.

According to a 2005 independent study (The Cochrane Review), “there was a wide range in plaque and gingivitis reduction among the powered toothbrushes.”

The difference in plaque removal and gingivitis:

The most effective toothbrush for the removal of plaque and the reduction of gingivitis was the rotation-oscillation rechargeable brush. It reduced plaque by 7% and gingivitis by 17% in both short-term and long-term use as compared to a manual toothbrush.

Other features of powered toothbrushes make them beneficial. Additional features are:

• Brush modes for sensitive teeth or gum massage
• Pressure sensors to signal when brushing too hard
• Quadrant timers
• Power-off once brushing is complete
• Variety of brush heads and brush action (sonic or oscillation)
• Reminders to replace your brush hea

Hygiene Basics: Brushing 101

Let me tell you that the proper brushing technique is not using a death grip on your toothbrush then sawing back and forth for thirty seconds.

What, then, is the right way to brush?

First, you need to angle the toothbrush bristles at a 45° angle against the gum line.

Then you sweep or roll the brush away from the gum line.

Brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of each tooth-using short, gentle strokes. Pay extra attention to the gum line, hard to reach back teeth, especially wisdom teeth or crowns.

Proper brushing technique takes at least two minutes.  

For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue too. Start and the base of the tongue, in the back of the mouth, and use three or four downward strokes. 

Click here to view Colgate's educational video of proper brushing technique.