Interdental Cleaners

Flossing between the teeth is important to remove food particles that have been left behind. If these food particles aren’t removed by thorough brushing or flossing, they will linger and cause bad breath and potentially lead to gum disease. Most of our patients tend to stick with basic floss, but interdental cleaners are gaining popularity. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, would like to explain how an interdental cleaner differs from threaded floss.

Interdental cleaners are thin, round, or cone-shaped devices that come in different shapes and sizes. These devices have a small head with bristles held on by wire, and they are designed to gently be inserted between the teeth. People who benefit from interdental cleaners include those with braces, those who have gapped teeth and for people with limited mobility. Also, if you don’t feel comfortable using floss, an interdental cleaner may be a better option.

If you have questions or concerns regarding preventive dental services or oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.comfor more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Cleaning a Fixed Bridge

Bridges are one of the most reliable means of restoring teeth, but they require patients to learn a new way of caring for their oral health in order to get the maximal benefit. We highly value patient satisfaction and preventive care at Enid Dental Care, so we want to ensure our patients know all the tools that are available to them.

The gap in between the bridge and the gum line needs to be cleaned in a similar manner to the gaps between teeth. Some floss manufacturers make floss with stiffened tips so it can be pushed through the gap, but normal floss can be pulled through the gap with a tool called a threader. Similar in appearance to a soft sewing needle, threaders are used to pull floss over or under orthodontic wires and work the same way with bridges.

Some makers of electric toothbrushes and water picks also make tips for their devices which are designed for use on implants. Implant-supported bridges tend to have a larger gap, which allows larger food particles to get trapped but also allows for the use of larger brushes to dislodge them. A Christmas tree brush can be mounted on the end of a normal-sized toothbrush handle for this purpose.

Dr. Dennis Morehart, Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, operates Enid Dental Care at 2411 Heritage Trail, Ste #4, Enid, Oklahoma, 73703. To schedule an appointment, call 580-237-2213 or visit EnidDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Why Should I Floss?

Chances are, the last time you visited the dentist and the hygienist asked you when the last time you flossed was, you probably lied. What you don’t realize is that by flossing your teeth daily, you increase the chance of keeping them for a lifetime and decrease the chance of getting gum disease. Dr. Dennis Morehart wants you to keep your natural teeth as long as possible, which is why you should know the reasons to floss.

Flossing is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to help remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. This is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Proper dental care – including regular flossing – can do more than keep your smile attractive. It leaves your mouth healthier and a healthy mouth can help prevent much more serious diseases, some of which can be life threatening.

If you need assistance with your oral hygiene routine, please give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.