Have you ever wondered what all those numbers mean when we are conducting your periodontal exam at Mitchell Dentistry?
You’ll hear us saying, “1…2…1…3…2, etc.” with a little frown if we get to “4.” What we are doing is measuring the collar that borders the tooth and the gum, testing the depth. A 1, 2, or 3 is fine, but if a case of gingivitis turns a 3 into a 4, we are concerned that this could lead to bone deterioration and ultimately tooth loss.
Such is the stuff that’s been on our minds all September – National Gum Care Month, and into October and beyond. The good news? Better home care can definitely have positive results.
Here’s what we recommend:
It’s Electric
All of us at Mitchell Dentistry agree that when there’s a choice between electric and manual brushing, there’s no contest – electric is the way to go for a thorough cleaning. We prefer Sonic Care with Oral B as a close second, and find that the battery versions are just not strong enough. The Sonic Care and Oral B have timers with intermittent pauses to let you know when to change quadrants.
Daily Routine
We recommend two minutes in the morning, two minutes at night. The best regimen also includes flossing every night, and the optional water pick which will rinse everything out. Try this, and you will see those gum measurement numbers go down. Plus , you’ll get a gold star from your hygienist.
Sidebar Story
I was speaking with one of our patients about the importance of brushing with an electric toothbrush, and he responded that has already has it covered. In fact, he added, to accommodate his busy schedule, he brushes with his Sonic Care while he is in the shower. How’s that for multi-tasking? For those of our patients who remember the Seinfeld sitcom, it reminded me of the one where Kramer makes a salad while taking a shower – see the clip here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15puo-dSEIY
P.S. Both Sonic Care and Oral B say their devices are safe to use in the shower, just not immersed in water.
Knowledge is Power
Our goal is to help spread awareness about healthy teeth and gums throughout the year, and we always appreciate an extra opportunity to pass on helpful information to our patients.
As always, please call us with any questions or concerns. We love your feedback, so feel free to send your comments our way.
All the best,
Dr. Jim