Question:
I floss everyday, and I brush my teeth at least four times per day.
Currently I go to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned twice a year. If I do
a good job of flossing and brushing, is it still necessary to have my teeth
cleaned? Is there something I could do which is similar to what the dental
hygienist does?
Answer:
There's no way you can possibly do as good a job cleaning your teeth
as a dental hygienist does. If cost is a problem, look around to see if
there are any dental schools in your area where you can have your teeth
cleaned by dental students for a fraction of the cost that you'll pay at
a dentist's office.
I see the dentist on about a 9-month schedule
because I can tell when plaque that I can't get to myself starts to build up
under the gum line--my gums begin to feel a little tender.
DH has what I think is an unacknowledged fear of dentists and has "put off
going" for as long as 10 years without a professional cleaning. When he
finally did go he had some minor problems but nothing like what you'd
expect.
I've had dentists admit that the six-month rule is for the worst case
scenario and many people don't really need a cleaning that often.
Yes. Tartar builds up no matter how carefully you brush/floss.
Although you can reduce it by positioning your hands to the side
while flossing so that the floss forms a 'C' shape around the
tooth. This will scrape more of the tooth's surface and knock
off more tartar.
No. You lack the prespective and range of movement to do to your
own teeth what dental hygienists do. They don't do their own
teeth, after all.
You can make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide or just a paste of
baking soda and water if you like - and gently rub it into your gums. I do it
daily for control of gum disease. Have done so for twenty five years. Try it
once and see what you think. It is a combination of gentle massage and
relatively non-toxic ingredients. Hydrogen peroxide is pretty strong stuff, so
you may not want to use that. I have heard that some people hold the stuff in
their mouth for long periods of time and this definitely is not good.
A dentist named PH Keynes devised a treatment for gum disease, which I why I
started using it. Massaging into the gums of this substance will definitely
take care of plaque if used sensibly on some kind of reguar schedule. Look at
the undersides of your bottom teeth and see for yourself how fast plaque forms
there - it's different for everybody. And then devise a schedule that suits you.
I have heard this called voodoo dentistry, so I will be curious how long it
lasts here.
