Perio Video - 13

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.