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It is the name of the game so to speak. Dental professionals cannot do enough to compensate for poor home care.
Motorized brushes are better than manual brushes. The ROTADENT is the best of those by far, and the only one with a lifetime warranty. They are not available in stores, but we carry them. They are a must if you have had periodontal disease. If your mouth is healthy, you can use an Oral-B or Sonicare motorized brush.
If you use a manual brush, make sure it has soft, fine bristles to reach below the gum surface without damaging your gums. Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle to your tooth and use small circular motions. Use toothpaste with an ADA (American Dental Association) seal on it. The newer remineralizing toothpastes show promise. Your technique, and ability to reach all areas that plaque can grow upon, is more important than the type of toothpaste that you use.
Consider this: the teeth sticking out of your gums are no better than a dirty splinter or nail sticking into your skin if they are covered with plaque germs. They will allow an infection to enter and go through your body in the same manner.
Brush or scrape your tongue. Gum disease germs love to grow in the fuzzy papillae on the top of the tongue.
If you can brush after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and before bed, all the better. But, at least, brush very thoroughly after breakfast and before bedtime, and floss your teeth before sleep.
Bleeding from brushing or flossing your teeth is a sign of gum disease! Do not avoid these areas, just do it better, and seek care from your dentist.
