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  • About
    • Meet Dr. Ficca
    • Meet Dr. Hall
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    • Our Practice
    • When to See a Periodontist
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  • Dental Implants
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      • Guide to Eating After Dental Implants
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  • Procedures
    • Cleanings & Prevention
      • Overview
      • Dental Exams & Cleanings
      • Digital X-Rays
      • Fluoride Treatment
      • Home Dental Care
      • How to Properly Brush & Floss
      • i-CAT® 3D Imaging
      • Oral Hygiene Aids
      • Panoramic X-Rays
    • Periodontal Disease
      • Periodontal Disease Overview
      • Periodontal Disease Treatment
      • Mouth – Body Connection
      • Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
      • Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease, and Stroke
      • Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy
      • Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis
      • Periodontal Disease and Respiratory Disease
    • Periodontics
      • Periodontist
      • Bone Grafting
      • Crown Lengthening
      • Gingivitis Treatment
      • Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatments
      • Gum Grafting
      • Gum Recession Treatment
      • Oral Pathology
      • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
      • Impacted Canines
      • Simple Tooth Extractions
      • Antibiotic Treatment
      • Bruxism
      • Oral Cancer Exam
      • Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing
      • Pocket Irrigation
      • Pocket Reduction Surgery
      • Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
      • Regenerative Procedures
      • Ridge Modification
      • Root Amputation
      • Sinus Augmentation
      • Soft Tissue Grafting
    • Gum Disease Treatment
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  • About
    • Meet Dr. Ficca
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Our Team
    • Our Practice
    • When to See a Periodontist
    • What Is a Periodontist?
    • Blog
  • Dental Implants
    • Dental Implants
    • All on 4 Dental Implants
    • Teeth Implants (Teeth in a Day)
    • Same-Day Dental Implants
    • Dentures vs. Dental Implants
    • Peri Implantitis
    • FAQs
      • Guide to Eating After Dental Implants
      • Questions to Ask About Dental Implants
      • How Dental Implants Work: The Benefits
  • Procedures
    • Cleanings & Prevention
      • Overview
      • Dental Exams & Cleanings
      • Digital X-Rays
      • Fluoride Treatment
      • Home Dental Care
      • How to Properly Brush & Floss
      • i-CAT® 3D Imaging
      • Oral Hygiene Aids
      • Panoramic X-Rays
    • Periodontal Disease
      • Periodontal Disease Overview
      • Periodontal Disease Treatment
      • Mouth – Body Connection
      • Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
      • Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease, and Stroke
      • Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy
      • Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis
      • Periodontal Disease and Respiratory Disease
    • Periodontics
      • Periodontist
      • Bone Grafting
      • Crown Lengthening
      • Gingivitis Treatment
      • Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatments
      • Gum Grafting
      • Gum Recession Treatment
      • Oral Pathology
      • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
      • Impacted Canines
      • Simple Tooth Extractions
      • Antibiotic Treatment
      • Bruxism
      • Oral Cancer Exam
      • Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing
      • Pocket Irrigation
      • Pocket Reduction Surgery
      • Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
      • Regenerative Procedures
      • Ridge Modification
      • Root Amputation
      • Sinus Augmentation
      • Soft Tissue Grafting
    • Gum Disease Treatment
    • Dental Anxiety and Fear
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • All Procedures
  • Galleries
    • Dental Implants
    • Soft Tissue Grafting
    • Crown Lengthening
    • Gingivectomy
  • Patient Info
    • Patient Resources
    • Patient Reviews
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient FAQ’s
    • Newsletter
    • Helpful Links
    • Also Serving
      • Dental Implants Matthews, NC
      • Dental Implants Pineville, NC
      • Dental Implants Indian Trail, NC
      • Dental Implants Monroe, NC
      • Dental Implants Fort Mill, SC
  • Referring Doctors
  • Contact
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Oral Hygiene Aids Charlotte, NC

You are here: Home / Procedures / Oral Hygiene Aids

Maintaining Excellent Oral Hygiene

Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining excellent oral hygiene and diagnosing potential problems, but they are not a “fix-all” solution. Thorough oral homecare routines should be practiced daily to avoid future dental problems.

Periodontal disease (also called gum disease and periodontitis) is the leading cause of tooth loss in the developed world and is entirely preventable in the vast majority of cases. Professional cleanings twice a year combined with daily self-cleaning can remove a high percentage of disease-causing bacteria and plaque. In addition, teeth that are well cared for make for a sparkling white smile.

There are numerous types of oral hygiene aids on the supermarket shelves, and it can be difficult to determine which will provide the greater benefit to your teeth.

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Common Homecare Oral Hygiene Aids

  • Dental Floss

    Dental floss is the most common interdental and subgingival (below the gum) cleaner and comes in a variety of types and flavors. The floss itself is made from either thin nylon filaments or polyethylene ribbons and can help remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth.

    Vigorous flossing with a floss holder can cause soft tissue damage and bleeding, so great care should be taken. Floss should normally be used twice daily after brushing.

  • Interdental Cleaners

    Many hygienists and periodontists recommend interdental brushes in addition to dental floss. These tiny brushes are gentle on the gums and very effective in cleaning the contours of teeth in between the gums. Interdental brushes come in various shapes and sizes.

  • Mouth Rinses

    There are two basic types of mouth rinse available: cosmetic rinses that are sold over the counter and temporarily suppress bad breath and therapeutic rinses, which may or may not require a prescription. Most dentists are skeptical about the benefits of cosmetic rinses because several studies have shown that their effectiveness against plaque is minimal.

    Therapeutic rinses, however, are regulated by the FDA and contain active ingredients that can help reduce bad breath, plaque, and cavities. Mouth rinses should generally be used after brushing.

  • Oral Irrigators

    Oral irrigators, like Water Jets and Waterpiks, have been created to clean debris from below the gum line. Water is continuously sprayed from tiny jets into the gum pockets which can help remove harmful bacteria and food particles.

    Overall, oral irrigators have proven effective in lowering the risk of gum disease and should not be used instead of brushing and flossing. Professional cleanings are recommended at least twice annually to remove deeper debris.

  • Rubber Tip Stimulators

    A rubber tip stimulator is an excellent tool for removing plaque from around the gum line and also for stimulating blood flow to the gums. The rubber tip stimulator should be traced gently along the outer and inner gum line at least once each day. Any plaque on the tip can be rinsed off with tap water.

    It is important to replace the tip as soon as it starts to appear worn and to store the stimulator in a cool, dry place.

  • Tongue Cleaners

    Tongue cleaners are special devices that have been designed to remove the buildup of bacteria, fungi, and food debris from the tongue surface. The fungi and bacteria that colonize on the tongue have been related to halitosis (bad breath) and a great many systemic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, and stroke.

    Tongue cleaners can be made from metal, wood, or plastic and shaped in accordance with the contours of the tongue. Tongue cleaning should be done prior to brushing to prevent the ingestion of fungi and bacteria.

  • Toothbrushes

    There are a great many toothbrush types available. Electric toothbrushes are generally recommended by dentists because electric brushes are much more effective than manual brushes. The vibrating or rotary motion helps to easily dislodge plaque and remove food particles from around the gums and teeth. The same results can be obtained using a manual brush, but much more effort is needed to do so.

    Manual toothbrushes should be replaced every three months because worn bristles become ineffective over time. Soft bristle toothbrushes are far less damaging to gum tissue than the medium and hard bristle varieties. In addition, an appropriate sized ADA approved toothbrush should be chosen to allow proper cleaning to all the teeth. Teeth should ideally be brushed after each meal, or minimally twice each day.

If you have questions or concerns about oral hygiene aids, please contact our office in Charlotte, NC at (704) 544-2224.

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Matthew D. Ficca, DMD, MSDMeet Dr. Ficca
Daniel Hall, DMD, MSDMeet Dr. Hall

“Excellent! The staff, doctor Ficca, and everyone I dealt with here was wonderful. I felt they went above and beyond in every aspect and I highly recommend.”

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Specializing in Dental Implants and Periodontal Health in Charlotte, NC

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At Metrolina Periodontics & Dental Implants in Charlotte, NC, our skilled team, including board-certified periodontist Dr. Ficca and specialist periodontist Dr. Hall, provides comprehensive dental implant placement and periodontal care. We offer a full range of services, from dental implants for tooth loss to the prevention and treatment of gum disease. We are committed to providing personalized oral care and the highest standard of excellence in periodontics.

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Suite 140
Charlotte, NC 28226
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