409 N 35th Street | Morehead City, NC 28557 | 252.726.1421

Why is oral hygiene so important?

Why is oral hygiene so important? Adults over the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults (75%) are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.


How to Brush





How to Floss






Adult Fluoride

Our office offers chairside prescription-strength fluoride for all adults who may have restorative work in their mouths, periodontal disease, recession, sensitive teeth, dry mouth or altered saliva due to disease or medications. We use fluoride for the following reasons:

Cavity Control: The protection that fluoride provides helps prevent tooth decay at any age. Fluoride also helps remineralize enamel weakened by early cavity development.

Early Gum Disease Control: Fluoride helps inhibit bleeding and tender gums caused by plaque bacteria.

Advanced Gum Disease Therapy: Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that attack tissue and supporting bone. Fluoride helps kill bacteria.

Crown and Bridge Maintenance: Recurring decay to teeth supporting a crown or bridge threatens the entire restoration and possibly can cause tooth loss. Fluoride helps prevent this problem.

Implant Maintenance: Bacterial plaque can cause premature loss of implants. Fluoride helps block plaque formation around implants.

Orthodontic Maintenance: Fluorides help control gingivitis and decalcification of teeth associated with orthodontics.

Sensitivity: Gum recession and tooth wear can cause sensitivity that fluoride can help control.

Caring for Sensitive Teeth


Choosing Oral Hygiene Products


Automatic and “high-tech” electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of the patients. Research shows that electronic toothbrushes are more effective at brushing than manual toothbrushes. They are especially helpful for patients who may have problems with their dexterity. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator. We see excellent results with electric toothbrushes.


Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses if used in conjunction with brushing and flossing can reduce tooth decay as much as 40%. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age because they may swallow too much fluoride. Tartar control toothpastes will reduce tartar above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the gum line so these products have not been proven to reduce the early stage of gum disease.

Professional Cleaning

Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental calculus to a minimum, but a professional cleaning will remove calculus in places your toothbrush and floss have missed. Regular visits according to the specific hygiene protocol the hygienist and dentist prescribe for you are a vital part of your program to control gum disease and help retain teeth for your entire life. With today’s technologies and advances, there is no reason to ever lose a tooth to disease.


Good nutrition plays a large role in your dental health. Brushing and flossing help to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong. However a balanced diet will help to boost your body’s immune system, leaving you less vulnerable to oral disease.

How often and what you eat have been found to affect your dental health. Eating starchy foods such as crackers, bread, cookies and candy causes the bacteria in your mouth to feed on them. The bacteria then produce acids which, which attack your teeth for up to 20 minutes or more. Also, foods that stick to your teeth or are slow to dissolve give the acids more time to work on destroying your tooth enamel.

Starchy foods


Sticky/slow to dissolve foods

granola bars
chewy fruit snacks
dried fruit
potato chips
hard candy


Foods such as nuts, cheese, onions and some teas have been shown to slow growth of decay- causing bacteria in the mouth.