Oral Hygiene
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.
You may also read some Patient Testimonials about their dental hygiene experiences with the doctor and Staff here at Johns Family and Implant Dentistry.
How to Brush
If you have any pain while brushing or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to call the office at Johns Family and Implant Dentistry Phone Number 253-848-3723.
Dr. Johns recommends using a soft or extra soft toothbrush. 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.
Caring 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.
When you schedule an appointment with Dr. Johns, you're taking a step towards a healthier, more beautiful smile. Learn how our friendly dental team can help you feel confident in your smile.
253-848-3723 AppointmentsPatient Reviews: Dental Hygiene
Please read testimonials from our patients, below. If you wish to rate your experience with Johns Family and Implant Dentistry, we invite you to fill out an online patient review.
Johns Family and Implant Dentistry
Patient Review by James H
Dr. Johns will be my dentist until I die! Great staff, latest technology and equipment, I look forward going to my appointments. V/R James
- James H
Patient Review by Doris R
The service is excellent
- Doris R
Patient Review by Jacob J
I love the group here at Dr John's. I refuse to see anyone but Heather! Makes my experience what it is
- Jacob J
Patient Review by Sybil D
Please visit this dentist and his staff. They are the best. You will be glad you did.
- Sybil D
Patient Review by Gillian G
Nicole is a wonderful Hygienist, she not only does an amazing job cleaning your teeth and is gentle but she takes time to educate you on things you can improve on and compliments you on things you do great! My son is 6 years old and loves to get his teeth cleaned and as a mama I couldn't be more grateful that my son enjoys going to the dentist and having Nicole clean his teeth and Dr. Johns check on them. All the staff @ Johns Family Dentistry are super friendly and professional!
- Gillian G
Patient Review by William S
I came to Dr. John's after moving to Washington state & I'm happy to have found him and his staff. The care is excellent and the staff friendly and professional.
- William S
Patient Review by Corey D
Dr Johns and everything there are very fun and professional. I never have a long wait and my out of pocket is always discussed prior to treatment, so there are no surprises. Highly recommended.
- Corey D
Patient Review by Tate S
They do a very great job. And know what they're doing.
- Tate S
Patient Review by Jamie G
So glad I found this place!
- Jamie G
Patient Review by Danielle C
Nicole always does such a phenomenal job on my teeth. She also lets me know where I can improve at home so I can take better care of them because let's be honest I don't floss like I should haha. Always friendly and easy to talk to. A pleasure to be around. My teeth feel amazing!
- Danielle C
Patient Review by Doris S
It's a great place to go to the dentist.
- Doris S
Patient Review by Josh L
Nice staff. Very friendly
- Josh L
Patient Review by Nicholas E
I love that clean feeling you have after a visit to the dentist's
- Nicholas E
Patient Review by Tom T
Great appointment.
- Tom T
Patient Review by Tammy L
Best dentist clinic around
- Tammy L
Patient Review by Tre L
I had a great time with my dentist.
- Tre L
Patient Review by Jens S
I am impressed by the professionalism of this office including the staff, technology employed, and business systems.
- Jens S
Patient Review by Kye T
Great!
- Kye T
Patient Review by Jacob F
Have recommended to friends and coworkers alike, will continue to come back for the foreseeable future.
- Jacob F
Patient Review by Kim L
Dental cleaning went well
- Kim L
Patient Review by Bill E
Best dentist around
- Bill E
Patient Review by Aaron E
Great people
- Aaron E
Patient Review by Hayleigh H
I love the friendliness of the office
- Hayleigh H
Patient Review by Cameron W
Good I like it als quick
- Cameron W
Patient Review by Amy G
Very friendly staff
- Amy G
Patient Review by Robert J
Dr John's entire staff is always great!
- Robert J
Patient Review by Danielle K
It was a good visit overall, no complaints.
- Danielle K
Patient Review by Brittney M
Very comfortable and friendly
- Brittney M
Patient Review by Jessica O
It is always an amazing experience coming here for any type of care. The staff is caring and responsive to the whole family!!
- Jessica O
Patient Review by Gail L
Clean, professional office, friendly staff, very gentle hygienists
- Gail L
Patient Review by Karen W
Heather, the dental hygienist that I see is exceptional., and has excellent bedside manners.
- Karen W
Patient Review by Chris D
Always a pleasure to come here even under the circumstances.
- Chris D
Patient Review by Evan R
I'm happy with my care and will keep using this office
- Evan R
Patient Review by Jamie B
Very friendly!
- Jamie B
Patient Review by Christine N
Always friendly willing to work with you if you have a issue with a tooth they will get you in and fix it asap
- Christine N
Patient Review by Geoff O
They are friendly, and would and gave told many of my teacher friends to come and sign up
- Geoff O
Patient Review by Clayton T
Mouth feels nice and clean! Didn't hurt one bit
- Clayton T
Patient Review by Jamie W
Comfortable and friendly clinic.
- Jamie W
Patient Review by Sarah R
Great visit
- Sarah R
Patient Review by Lisa G
As we all know going to the dentist is not our favorite thing to to do. However I do have to say I enjoy coming to Dr. Johns. Everyone is great. Nicole is the best along with Carrie and we can't forget Doc.
- Lisa G
Patient Review by Erik W
Exemplary performance and a pleasant experience, as always.
- Erik W
Patient Review by Teri F
The whole staff is fantastic. They cater to my special needs and are thorough, courteous, and professional every time!
- Teri F
Patient Review by William S
Very meticulous and professional
- William S
Patient Review by Sarah F
Staff make the dentist fun for my children. They are not afraid and are excited to go
- Sarah F
Patient Review by Jeremy K
I have been coming here for years and am always taken care of. Great place
- Jeremy K
Patient Review by Kelly Y
Great staff
- Kelly Y
Patient Review by Samuel N
Visits to the office are informative and helpful.
- Samuel N
Patient Review by Kyler G
Great dentist office with amazing care.
- Kyler G
Patient Review by Tae B
Very friendly and professional!!
- Tae B
Patient Review by Jennifer K
Very accommodating and friendly. I felt relaxed and comfortable during my visit and will definitely be back for future care.
- Jennifer K