All You Need To Know About Dental Hygiene Adjunct

A dental hygiene adjunct is an accessory that can be used in conjunction with your dental hygiene routine.

Teeth Brushing

It’s still important to practice diligent oral hygiene, even with dental implants. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, as well as flossing once a day, will help keep your gums healthy. You should also be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. While you’re at it, don’t forget to also clean your tongue. 

Flossing

Flossing is recommended at least once a day. Flossing your teeth removes plaque and bacteria from between the teeth. Failing to floss allows plaque and bacteria to build up, eventually leading to tooth decay or gum disease. Flossing also helps prevent bad breath because bacteria in your mouth can lead to bad breath.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin plastic or resin coatings that are placed over the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealants fill in the deep grooves and lines that are on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where plaque and food particles tend to get stuck.

Dental sealants are painted onto the teeth and then allowed to harden. They are clear or white and cannot be seen when a patient smiles. They are painted on liquid, so they harden quickly and are able to protect the teeth from decay.

Dental Irrigation

Irrigation devices use water to remove plaque and leftover food from teeth and gums. The devices are an alternative to brushing and flossing, and many users find them to be more convenient than brushing and flossing.

The American Dental Association (ADA) warns against using irrigation devices because they don’t remove plaque from between teeth, and they can’t reach hard-to-clean areas. The ADA also reports that no supportive evidence exists to confirm that using irrigation devices prevents tooth decay or cavities.

Antiseptic Rinses

Antiseptic rinses, like chlorhexidine gluconate rinses, contain antimicrobial agents that destroy harmful oral bacteria.

Antimicrobial rinses can help treat gingivitis, a bacterial infection of the gums. They also can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on tooth surfaces.

Tongue Scraping

Tongue scraping removes plaque from the specific area but does nothing for beneficial bacteria. It should be used as a compliment to brushing and flossing. Regularly scraping your tongue can help remove bacteria, which can, in turn, help prevent oral diseases and conditions.

Chewing Gum

Chewing gum can help improve your oral health in a number of different ways. It can stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and plaque. It can also physically clean your teeth by scraping away food particles and plaque.

Toothpicks

A toothpick holder is great for keeping toothpicks clean and sanitary. If you let toothpicks get soggy, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Toothpick holders have a space to hold a toothpick safely, preventing it from touching anything else. This helps to keep bacteria off of your toothpick.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact Korte Family Dentistry at (402) 489-3115 or visit us at 3901 Normal Blvd STE 202, Lincoln, NE 68506. We will be happy to guide you further.