Oral Hygiene

How To Brush

A woman holding a toothbrush ready to brush her teethBrushing Your Teeth With a Manual Brush

While brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth, position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a horizontal motion several times (count 3 seconds per surface) using small, gentle strokes. Use light pressure as hard brushing can lead to gum recession and teeth abrasion. When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside surfaces of the teeth.



If you have any pain while brushing or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to visit our office.

Brushing Your Teeth With an Electric Toothbrush

Remember an electric toothbrush is doing everything for you.  The only thing you are in charge of is placing the brush in the proper angulation (45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet) and only hold it with a very light grip or with your fingertips in order not to cause trauma to your gums and teeth.  Make sure that the brush is let to work for 3-5 seconds per each tooth surface and don’t forget just like with manual brushing please make sure to keep an order so no teeth are forgotten. Most electric toothbrushes have a 2 minute timer if you go beyond the two minutes you are better off so don’t let that timer stop you from spending more time brushing! 

How To Floss



To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss to the gum line then curve it lightly into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss away from the gum line as if you were using a squeegee on the side of one tooth. Remember there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space. Continue to floss each side of all the upper teeth. Be careful not to cut the gum tissue between the teeth. As the floss becomes soiled, turn the floss in one of the middle fingers and undo the floss from the other to get a fresh section.



Caring For Sensitive Teeth

Sometimes after dental treatment, teeth are sensitive to hot and cold. If the mouth is kept clean, this sensation should not last long. However, if the mouth is not kept clean, the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. If your teeth are especially sensitive, consult with Dr. Silvia La Rosa. A medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse made especially for sensitive teeth may be recommended.

Choosing Oral Hygiene Products



Please let us know if you have any questions selecting oral hygiene products, our team and us will be happy to help you select the right products that are best for you!