Review your technique and adjust it to a more efficient technique if necessary.

We unfortunately often take brushing as an acquired technique and as being a sufficiently effective means in the maintenance of our mouth, but know that it is quite different. With time and experience, we have realized that few people practice a good brushing method and few understand the real purpose of brushing . As the ultimate goal of brushing results in disorganizing the biofilm by destroying the bacterial colony, the technique is very important.

Remember! Bacteria like dark, humid and warm places. The preferred places when brushing are: the tooth / gum junction (and not the middle and the end of the teeth as many think) and the interdental (between the teeth). The biofilm does not disappear so easily, several brush strokes are required to disorganize it. Therefore, we suggest brushing for about two minutes . Most importantly, make sure you go everywhere and spend some time on each of your sextants (group of teeth).

Brushing constitutes only 60% (if done effectively) of the daily cleaning of your teeth. The other 40% will be achieved with interdental cleaning , that is to say with the floss and the interdental brush.

Review your flossing technique and adjust it to a more efficient technique if necessary. Add and demonstrate the interdental brush technique. Choose the appropriate size (s) with you.

When the gum tissue is healthy, flossing may be sufficient. Moreover, its lack of popularity is palpable, few people pass it and the majority unfortunately pay the price as they age. Another tool that is just as effective, if not more effective in some cases (especially in people with periodontal disease ) has been gaining popularity in recent years: the interdental brush.

Although the interdental brush has been around for a few decades, it is only recently that it has been increasingly recommended by oral health professionals.

To be applied once a day, ideally in the evening and BEFORE brushing. Properly cleaned interdental surfaces will ensure some adsorption of the fluoride added to your toothpaste during brushing. I like to say to my patients a sentence that also makes a lot of sense and logic for me: We dust and then we vacuum. You will never forget it.

Ideally spent in the evening after flossing and before brushing for the same reasons as mentioned above with regard to flossing. The choice of your interdental brush needs is up to your dental hygienist. He alone can determine the size you need. A brush that is too small will be ineffective and a large one could create injuries.

Technique of use: Here is a short video on the technique to be used for interdental brushes:

The use of a commercial mouthwash is not generally recommended . The reason is very simple. The pH of most mouthwashes, with a few exceptions, is very acidic and this type of environment is not conducive to the health of your mouth . Again, if you like to rinse your mouth, be aware that it is not mandatory to do so, but your hygienist can recommend one according to your needs.

In addition, there are a few mouthwashes recommended under prescription to help stabilize periodontal disease. In this case, your professional may recommend it to you.