Why is oral hygiene so important?
Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.
Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.
How to Brush Your Teeth
If you have any pain while brushing or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to call the office at Morristown Dental Associates Phone Number973-538-3456.
Dr. Carrara and Dr. Corsello recommend using a soft tooth brush. Position the brush at a 45 degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort.
When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don’t forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue.
Next you will clean the biting surfaces of your teeth by using short, gentle strokes. Change the position of the brush as often as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. Try to watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you clean each surface. After you are done, rinse vigorously to remove any plaque you might have loosened while brushing.
How to Floss
Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice.
Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about 18” long. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand.
To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss to the gum line then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth. Remember there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space. Continue to floss each side of all the upper teeth. Be careful not to cut the gum tissue between the teeth. As the floss becomes soiled, turn from one finger to the other to get a fresh section.
To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of both hands. Do not forget the back side of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower.
When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while flossing you could be doing it too hard or pinching the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.
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Request An AppointmentCaring for Sensitive Teeth
Sometimes after dental treatment, teeth are sensitive to hot and cold. This should not last long, but only if the mouth is kept clean. If the mouth is not kept clean the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. If your teeth are especially sensitive consult with your doctor. They may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse made especially for sensitive teeth.
Choosing Oral Hygiene Products
There are so many products on the market it can become confusing and choosing between all the products can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for choosing dental care products that will work for most patients.
Automatic and “high-tech” electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of the patients. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator. We see excellent results with electric toothbrushes called Rotadent and Interplak.
Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip on the handle, this is used to massage the gums after brushing. There are also tiny brushes (interproximal toothbrushes) that clean between your teeth. If these are used improperly you could injure the gums, so discuss proper use with your doctor.
Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses, if used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, can reduce tooth decay as much as 40%. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age. Tartar control toothpastes will reduce tartar above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the gum line so these products have not been proven to reduce the early stage of gum disease.
Anti-plaque rinses, approved by the American Dental Association, contain agents that may help bring early gum disease under control. Use these in conjunction with brushing and flossing.
Professional Cleaning
Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental calculus to a minimum, but a professional cleaning will remove calculus in places your toothbrush and floss have missed. Your visit to our office is an important part of your program to prevent gum disease. Keep your teeth for your lifetime.
Patient Testimonials
Read dental patient reviews and testimonials for Morristown Dental Associates in Morristown, New Jersey.
Staff is excellent! I asked Bobbie many questions and she never once made me feel like I was a bother. Hygienist Deb was very careful during cleaning asking me how I was doing every step of the way. Doctor Corsella is by far the best dentist I have been to in my 64 years. Very caring and communicative. Made me feel like my dental care was something I was participating in instead of something that was happening to me. Would very highly recommend care at this practice!
Michael T. - Patient since 2022
The medical team in this office are highly skilled professionals who consistently make their patients’ dental health their highest priority. Treatment options and procedures are explained in detail so patients can make well-informed decisions. The support staff is cheerful, organized, and always helpful.
Carol F. - Patient since 2021
Terrific practice that I highly recommend. Dr. Carrara is a perfectionist who is knowledgeable, highly skilled and an excellent communicator. Office staff is experienced, helpful and courteous. Deb, the hygienist, is kind and gentle. She makes getting a cleaning virtually painless.
Michele B. - Patient since 2003
My dental care has been excellent at this practice. Dr Carrera has done an excellent job with his treatment plans and the results have have been great. The staff is also excellent including the dental assistants and the ladies at the front desk doing scheduling and administrative activities. Very professional and friendly staff . Would highly recommend this practice to family and friends.
John R. - Patient since 2020
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Phone
973-538-3456Address
Morristown Dental Associates
Richard J. Carrara, D.M.D Vincent J. Corsello, D.M.D Joshua Perlman, D.M.DThe Medical Center at James Street
261 James Street, Suite 3B
Morristown, NJ 07960
Office Hours
Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Call Us Today! 973-538-3456