Clearwater Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten Shares Flossing Tips

Flossing Tips from Dr. Britten:

Typically, dental floss should be wrapped around the 2 middle fingers and stretched to a 12 to 18 inch length. Gently move back and forth in the area where the teeth contact each other, wrapping your floss it in a “C” shape around the side of the tooth. Once the floss is through this contact area it is gently moved under the tissue just until resistance is met. It is important not to “jam” the floss under the tissue, as this pulls on the periodontal ligament and can cause damage to the tissue and result in very sore gum tissue. At this point a cleaning stroke moves the floss away from the gum tissue toward the contact spot. Continue with this 6-8 times until a squeak can be heard and the tooth surface is clean.

Then move the floss to the adjacent tooth and do the same. While traditional flossing methods are most effective, flossing aids, such as floss picks or Soft Picks (GUM), are available for those with dexterity issues.

Flossing video:
https://youtu.be/fRpCTwoe2W0

Flossing is so important for the health of your gums and should be done every day. For more great oral hygiene tips, keep following us here on Facebook, and stay tuned for our up and coming redesigned website www.brittenperio.com which will have many helpful and insightful oral hygiene tips!

Clearwater FL Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten Shares: Oral Hygiene Tips: End Tufted Brush?

Oral Hygiene Tips: End Tufted Brush

An end tufted brush is designed for hard-to-reach or simply difficult-to-clean areas where the dental plaque buildup will become harmful to teeth or gums, such as:
• Exposed spaces between the roots of molar teeth due to periodontitis and gum recession, keeping furcations clean
• Complex fixed dentures, bridges or dental implants that are inherently hard to clean
• Orthodontic appliances
• Difficulty in cleaning the back surfaces of the last teeth at the end of the dental arch at the back of the mouth
• Other hard-to-reach areas identified by your dentist or dental hygienist

Clearwater FL Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten: 6 Reasons To Brush Before Bedtime!

6 Reasons to Brush Before Bedtime!

1 - Brushing removes the plaque accumulated all the day long so that bacteria have less time to play on the teeth all night long, causing less acid damage to your teeth!

2 - The primary cause of gum disease is plaque accumulation at the junction of teeth and gums. Brushing before sleep will remove this plaque, avoiding the potential for swollen and bleeding gums.

3 - Brushing twice a day reduces bad breath considerably. Brush tonight if you haven’t been. The next morning you will notice an improvement in any bad breath you have been experiencing.

4 - The fluoride in toothpaste helps form a protective layer on your teeth to prevent them from the process of destruction. So, a 12 hourly protection is always better than 24 hours.

5 - Preventing dental problems decreases the extent of dental work you will need.   Brush twice a day and save money.

6 - Set a good example for your kids! When your kids see you brushing at your nightly routine, they will be more likely to do it too!

And Don't Forget To Floss!

Clearwater FL Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten: What is Periodontal Maintenance?

A Periodontal Maintenance is a procedure that includes removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, all the way down the length of each tooth to where the root, gum and bone meet. Rough areas are smoothed out if needed, pocket depths are carefully monitored and inflamed pockets may be irrigated with antibacterial medications if necessary.

If you have periodontal disease which has resulted in bone loss, gum “pockets” deeper than 4 mm, bleeding gums, exposed root surfaces, or if you have had periodontal surgery or root planning, it is important to alternate cleanings between our office and your general dentist. Your general dentist will keep an eye on your teeth, while we focus mainly on the foundation around them. Periodontal Maintenance is one of the most critical factors in maximizing the longevity of the results received after scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery.

We are often asked, “What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a periodontal maintenance?” A Regular cleaning, or “prophylaxis,” is different because the hygienist removes soft plaque, tartar and stains from the teeth above the gumline and only slightly below. A regular cleaning is done with your general dentist 2 to 3 times per year depending on how quickly stain, plaque and tartar accumulate.

Clearwater FL Periodontist Shares "What is Periodontal Maintenance?"

Clearwater FL Periodontist Shares Video "What is Periodontal Maintenance?" #brittenperio #clearwaterperiodontist by Dr Kuljeet MEHTA Periodontist  www kmperio co uk

https://youtu.be/o56UwXCF6jg

A Periodontal Maintenance is a procedure that includes removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, all the way down the length of each tooth to where the root, gum and bone meet. Rough areas are smoothed out if needed, pocket depths are carefully monitored and inflamed pockets may be irrigated with antibacterial medications if necessary.

If you have periodontal disease which has resulted in bone loss, gum “pockets” deeper than 4 mm, bleeding gums, exposed root surfaces, or if you have had periodontal surgery or root planning, it is important to alternate cleanings between our office and your general dentist. Your general dentist will keep an eye on your teeth, while we focus mainly on the foundation around them. Periodontal Maintenance is one of the most critical factors in maximizing the longevity of the results received after scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery.

We are often asked, “What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a periodontal maintenance?” A Regular cleaning, or “prophylaxis,” is different because the hygienist removes soft plaque, tartar and stains from the teeth above the gumline and only slightly below. A regular cleaning is done with your general dentist 2 to 3 times per year depending on how quickly stain, plaque and tartar accumulate.