Oral Hygiene

Why Is Oral Hygiene So Important?

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults 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.

Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gumline. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.

How to Brush

If you have any pain while brushing or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to call the office at Simsbury CT Office of Center For Dental Excellence Phone Number 860-658-1991.

Our doctors recommend using a soft to medium tooth brush. Position the brush at a 45 degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort.

When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth.

To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don’t forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue.

Next you will clean the biting surfaces of your teeth by using short, gentle strokes. Change the position of the brush as often as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. Try to watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you clean each surface. After you are done, rinse vigorously to remove any plaque you might have loosened while brushing.

You should spend at least two minutes twice a day brushing your teeth.

How to Floss

Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice.

Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about 18” long. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand.

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 gumline then curve it 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 up and down 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 from one finger to the other to get a fresh section.

To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of both hands. Do not forget the back side of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower.

When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while flossing you could be doing it too hard or pinching the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.

Caring for Sensitive Teeth

Sometimes after dental treatment, teeth are sensitive to hot and cold. This should not last long, but only if the mouth is kept clean. If the mouth is not kept clean the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. If your teeth are especially sensitive, consult with your doctor. They may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse made especially for sensitive teeth.

Choosing Oral Hygiene Products

There are so many products on the market that it can become confusing to choose between all the products can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for choosing dental care products that will work for most patients.

Automatic and “high-tech” electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of the patients. 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. You can speak to your dental hygienist about different options for electric toothbrushes. We have affordable and effective options available in our office including replacement brush heads for Oral-B and Sonicare electric brushes.

Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip on the handle, this is used to massage the gums after brushing. There are also tiny brushes (interproximal toothbrushes) that clean between your teeth. If these are used improperly, you could injure the gums so discuss proper use with your doctor.

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. Tartar control toothpastes will reduce tartar above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the gumline so these products have not been proven to reduce the early stage of gum disease.

Anti-plaque rinses, approved by the American Dental Association, contain agents that may help bring early gum disease under control. Use these in conjunction with brushing and flossing.

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. Your visit to our office is an important part of your program to prevent gum disease. Keep your teeth for your lifetime.


Center For Dental Excellence

5 out of 5 stars based on 13 Hygiene reviews.

Patient Review from Jeffrey P

Great visit as usual!

- Jeffrey P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review from Cheryl W

Dr Arnold & Dr Manley are very professional.

- Cheryl W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review from Angela D

Have been seeing Dr. Arnold for years, so when he moved to this practice so did I. I did end up seeing a different dentist Dr. Mann and she was great 🙂

- Angela D

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review from Elizabeth M

Julie Alves was very friendly, professional and thorough in her work.

- Elizabeth M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review from Michael S

Julie is the best Dental Hygentist!

- Michael S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review from CAROLYN L

A 5 star office. The staff, the Hygienist ,Julie, and Doctor Arnold are the best. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

- CAROLYN L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review from ROBERT L

My wife and I travel from West Hartford to Litchfield for dental services at this office. What more can I say?

- ROBERT L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review from Jeannie R

I HATE going to the dentist even for a cleaning. I have an irrational fear that causes anxiety and stress. Today, however, my new hygienist, Peggy, put me at ease. I have never been so (wait for it...) RELAXED at the dentist. My teeth didn't hurt afterwards and I never once clenched the arm rest. I highly recommend her!! Thanks!

- Jeannie R

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review from Stephen N

Hygienist and Doctor alike are, most important, competent and highly skilled, but also very personable and courteous. And very attentive to the comfort of the patient.

- Stephen N

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review from Sharon K

Great office. Great staff. Lonnie is an amazing front desk person. Rosa has been my hygienist for many years. Love her. Young Dr Christian is gentle and so nice. I would and have recommended this office any time someone has asked for referral without hesitation.

- Sharon K

5 out of 5 stars on