Earlier this week, we talked about flossing and how important it is in your daily routine in order to maintain optimal oral and physical health. Today, we’re going to expand on that and go over proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure that it is being done correctly and effectively.

Let’s start with flossing, since that should come first.

1. Start by taking a piece of floss that is equal to the length of your forearm. Some flosses come pre-cut which is useful.
   
2. Wrap the floss around your index and middle fingers, leaving around two inches of space to use on your teeth.
   
3. Wiggle the floss between your teeth, wrapping it into a “C” shape around the bottom of a tooth and gently under the base on the gumline. Repeat this 2-3 times per tooth, making sure not to forget the back of your teeth as well. Move down the line of floss as it begins to weaken or fray.

After flossing, brush your teeth to remove the particles that you have uprooted from between them. Preferably, you should brush after every meal, but as long as you’re doing it at least once a day before bed, you should be safe. Like flossing, there is a proper way to brush your teeth to ensure maximum efficacy.

1. Start by angling your brush at a 45 degree angle, focusing on the area where the teeth and gums meet.

2. Use a gentle, circular motion, moving your brush up and down the surface of the tooth. Be careful and don’t scrub, as it damages the gums and results in premature gum recession.

3. DO NOT RUSH. Brushing your teeth should take at least 2-3 minutes for a thorough cleaning. Try timing yourself, or play your current favorite song and brush until it is over.

4. Finish by swishing a mouthwash around your mouth to remove any remaining bacteria and food particles. DO NOT SWALLOW.

Other helpful tips:

1. Flossing can be a hard routine to get into, especially since it is a time-consuming repetitive task. We recommend flossing while you watch TV at night.

2. Your gums will bleed when you first start flossing as they’re not used to it. The bleeding should stop after 2-3 days of continuous flossing.

3. Those with braces may have a harder time with these tasks. Specialized toothbrushes and flossing methods are available for you, providing by your dentist.

4. Choose a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles, and replace it every 3 months.

This is a general guide and results will vary with each individual. For more information, contact your family dentist for all questions and concerns.

So, you’ve gotten into an accident and now you’re missing a few teeth, or maybe age has caught up with you and some of your teeth just aren’t quite what they used to be. Luckily, you have some options when it comes to restoring your smile. Let’s take a brief look at a couple of procedures: implants and bridges.

Let’s start with implants.

What is an Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made typically out of titanium that is inserted into the jawbone where the real tooth was previously located. Over a lengthy process of about six months, the artificial root fuses with the surrounding tissue to create a solid foundation for the temporary crown that is placed on top. After that, the gums continue to form and morph themselves around the structure, finalizing in a way that looks completely natural. Once this process is complete, a permanent crown will take the place of the temporary one.

What is a Bridge?

A dental bridge is exactly what it sounds like. Unlike implants which replace the whole tooth root, a bridge ‘bridges’ the space between teeth, connecting to the adjacent teeth. The surrounding teeth provide support for the new crown that is placed. In order to do that, however, the supporting teeth may have to be permanently altered and filed down to achieve optimum results.

Am I a Candidate?

Well, that depends. A consultation with your dentist will confirm which is best, but there are a number of factors standing in the way of your candidacy for each procedure.

For implants, the candidate must have fully matured, meaning that there will be no more developmental bone growth for them to go through. X-Rays and CT Scans will determine whether or not there is enough bone structure in order for an implant to be inserted. Bone density and quality are both major contributing factors to being accepted for this procedure. Patients who smoke will need to quit in order to be considered as smoking results in a higher rate of implant failure. Those who also suffer from cancer, periodontal disease, or diabetes may need to go through extra steps before they qualify as candidates.

In terms of candidacy, dental bridges are a little more lenient because of their less invasive nature. However, those who are missing multiple teeth will not be able to have this done as dental bridges rely on the surrounding teeth for support. Teeth which have chips, cracks, are in a state of decay, or are not stable will have to go through additional steps and treatments before a dental bridge can be considered.

Cost Considerations

Especially with elective cosmetic procedures which are not covered under insurance, the cost of treatments can greatly sway a patient’s opinion on which treatment to opt in for.

Implants are the more costly of the two, ranging in price from $900 to $3,000 per implant, while bridges are far less expensive, ranging from $700 to $1,500. These costs only cover the implant itself, and do not include any additional appointments that may be required either before or after the treatment itself. Your dentist will be able to provide you with a more clear and concise breakdown of costs during a consultation.

In the case of implants and bridges, it is important to consider the long-term benefits. Yes, bridges do cost less, are much less invasive, and the procedure is far shorter, but the main reason that patients choose implants is durability. Dental bridges, if cared for properly, can have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years before they need to be replaced, whereas implants will typically last well over 40 years. It is important to evaluate your unique circumstances and weigh your options carefully as replacing bridges throughout your lifetime could go well over the cost of an implant.

Speak with your dentist about your options, find out if they offer a payment plan, and ask questions for a complete and thorough evaluation.