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Toothbrushing cannot accomplish plaque removal for the proximal tooth
surfaces and adjacent gingiva to the same degree that it does for the facial,
lingual, and palatal aspects. Interdental plaque control, therefore, is
essential to complete the patient's self-oral-care program.
Objectives are based on achieving optimum gingival, periodontal, and
surrounding tissues health.
Key Benefits
- Benefit 1 -- Gingival health without interdental bleeding
- Benefit 2 -- The normal healthy breath
- Benefit 3 -- Quick healing of wounds and irritated gum, tissue, and lips
Items for Consumption
Dental Floss, Tongue Scraper, Dental Gel, and Lip Balm contribute to overall
cleanliness and oral health.
- 1. Dental Floss
- Waxed nylon filaments have been widely used in circular (floss) form for
bacterial plaque removal from proximal tooth surfaces.
- Smooth surface provided by the wax covering helps to prevent trauma to
the gum.
- Slides through contact area with ease.
- Wax gives strength and durability during application; shredding or
breakage is rare.
- 2. Tongue Scraper (Cleaner)
- A variety of plastic or flexible metal scrapers are available to clean
the dorsal surface of tongue.
- By removing debris and microorganisms, the patient can expect tongue
scraping to contribute to overall mouth cleanliness, reduce the numbers of
bacteria available for plaque formation, and lessen mouth odors.
- Brushing and scraping of the dorsal surface of the tongue is a daily
requirement.
- The tongue is a major source of the organisms producing bad breath.
- 3. Dental Gel
- A non-toxic gel that heals, conditions,, and deodorizes wounds,
abrasions, and irritated gums. Containing some substances reducing malodor
and bacterial by products.
- 4. Lip Balm
- A lip balm that relieves and prevents dry, chapped, sun, and windburned
lips.
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Guidelines and Instructions
- 1. Effective Method of Flossing
- A. When to Floss
- For the most patients, dental floss should be used before toothbrusing.
- B. Floss Preparation
- Hold a 12 - to 15-inch length of
floss with the thumb and index finger of each hand; grasp firmly with only
1/2 inch of floss between the finger tips. The ends of the floss may be
tucked into the palm and held by the ring and little finger.
- C. Application
- Direct the floss up (Maxillary
Teeth) by holding the floss over two thumbs or a thumb and an index
finger. Rest a side of a finger on teeth of opposite side of the maxillary
arch to provide balance and a fulcrum.
- Direct the floss down (Mandibular
Teeth) by holding the two index fingers on top of the strand. One index
finger holds the floss on the lingual aspect and the other on the facial
aspect. The side of the finger on the lingual side is held on the teeth of
the opposite side of the mouth to serve as a fulcrum or rest.
- D. Insertion
- Hold floss firmly in diagonal or
oblique position.
- Guide the floss past each contact area with a gentle sawing motion.
- Control floss to prevent snapping
through the contact area onto the gingival tissue.
- E. Cleaning Stroke
- Clean adjacent teeth separately;
for the distal aspect, curve the floss mesially, and for the mesial aspect,
curve the floss distally, around the tooth.
- Pass the floss below the gingival
margin, curve to adapt the floss around the tooth, press, and slide up and
down over the tooth surface. Repeat.
- Loop the floss over the distal
surfaces of the most posterior teeth in each quadrant and the teeth next to
edentulous areas. Hold firmly against the tooth and move the floss in both
an up-and-down motion and a "shoeshine" stroke.
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- 2. Tongue Care by Scraping
- Place the arch of Tongue Scraper toward the posterior of the dorsal
surface.
- Press with a light but firm stroke, and pull forward.
- Repeat several times, covering the entire surface of the tongue.
- Wash the tongue scraper under running water.
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- 3. Directions for Use of Dental Gel
- Apply liberally to affected tissue as needed.
- Leaving on for several minutes.
- After use, expectorate gel.
- Do not drink or eat for at least 30
minutes.
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- 4. Instructions for Use Lip Balm
- To help prevent dry, chapped, sun- or windburned lips, apply to lips as
needed before, during, and following exposure to sun, wind, water and cold
weather.
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