Perio Video

What is the primary goal of circular brushing at a 45-degree angle?

What type of bristle brushes are recommended for tooth brushing?

How often should toothbrushes be replaced?

What can occur when using an incorrect tooth brushing method?

What is the purpose of flossing?

How much floss should be wrapped around the middle fingers?

How should the ends of the floss be held?

What is the consequence of not flossing correctly?

What is the primary purpose of the Waterpik?

What is the most common type of periodontitis?

How often should a patient with periodontitis visit for maintenance?

What is the purpose of curving the floss into a C shape?

Which ethnicity is most commonly affected by periodontitis?

What is the timeframe for periodontal reevaluation?

What is crucial for disease prevention and health in periodontics?

What is the term for the ideal flossing method described?

Tooth Brushing

Circular brushing method involves placing bristles at a 45-degree angle to the tooth, with bristles extending about half a millimeter sub-gingivally to disrupt plaque.
This method is gentler and more effective than aggressive scrubbing, removing plaque without causing gingival recession and tooth abrasion.
Soft nylon bristle brushes should be used, replacing them every six months (or at least every three months).

Flossing

Flossing prevents gum disease and is critical for oral hygiene.
Hold 18 inches of floss around middle fingers, with each end held tightly between thumb and second finger.
Curve floss into a C shape against the side of the tooth and gently rub up and down along the side of each tooth.
Don't forget to floss behind back teeth, using the C-shaped floss method.

Waterpik

Waterpik is a home water irrigation system that flushes out gross food debris and reduces bacterial load on gingiva.
It does not remove plaque from teeth and therefore does not help prevent periodontal disease.
Waterpik is a nice adjunct to tooth brushing and flossing.

Epidemiology Facts

Chronic periodontitis is the most common type, followed by localized aggressive, generalized aggressive, and refractory cases.
Periodontitis is most common in males of African descent, which is also the population most commonly affected by diabetes.

Maintenance Schedule

Periodontal reevaluation should occur four to eight weeks after phase one non-surgical therapy.
Patients should be seen every three months for the first year, and then every three, four, or six months thereafter.
Patient compliance with oral hygiene and maintenance visits has a profound effect on disease and health.

Learn about the circular brushing technique used in dental hygiene, a gentle and effective method for removing plaque without causing gingival recession and abrasion of tooth structure.