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Daniel A. Nyhuis, DMD, PC

Daniel A. Nyhuis, DMD
Nicki Childress, DMD
Family Dentistry

825 Ringwood Ave Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442(973) 831-8950
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Posts for tag: oral hygiene

Floss First or Last? Here are Reasons for Either Approach

By Daniel A. Nyhuis, DMD
August 14, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral hygiene   floss  
FlossFirstorLastHereareReasonsforEitherApproach

A certain news story a few years ago notwithstanding, dentists still recommend flossing along with brushing to adequately remove disease-causing plaque. If there is any controversy at all about flossing, it's whether you should perform it before brushing or after. Each perspective has good reasons.

"Brush First" proponents say their way encourages the formation of a daily hygiene habit, a must for preventing disease. That's because brushing can remove most of the plaque built up on the teeth, while flossing can then remove what's left. If you floss first, though, you'll have to plow through the sticky film with the floss, which can be an unpleasant experience. Facing that every day could make a person less enthusiastic about developing a hygiene habit.

But it's not just about the sensation: depending on the person, the plaque buildup could be so much that the floss becomes clogged with it. You're then moving the plaque rather than removing it. Brushing a lot of the plaque out of the way first will increase the cleaning power of your floss.

The "Floss First" team, though, is undaunted with their own take on the matter. Flossing can loosen up any stuck debris between teeth, making it easier for brushing to clear it away. It can also expose plaque-covered areas between teeth to allow better contact with the fluoride in your toothpaste. And, the amount of plaque you're pulling out in certain areas during flossing could tip you off to beef up your brushing efforts on those areas of heavier plaque accumulation.

One of the prime reasons for flossing first, though, goes back to the comfort factor and human nature. To be honest, for most people flossing isn't as much "fun" as brushing. If you put it off until after brushing, you're more likely not to do it if you find it unpleasant. Doing it first gets the less likeable task out of the way, so you can then do the more likeable one, brushing.

Which approach is best for you? It's really a personal decision, one you can discuss with your dentist. Try both ways, and see which one seems better. But whether you floss first or last, do floss to really reduce your risk for dental disease.

If you would like more information on best oral hygiene practices, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Brushing and Flossing: Which Should be Done First?”

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Why You Should Floss Around the Implants Supporting Your Bridge

By Daniel A. Nyhuis, DMD
June 25, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: dental implants   oral hygiene  
WhyYouShouldFlossAroundtheImplantsSupportingYourBridge

We've been using bridges to replace missing teeth for decades. Now, recently-developed implant-supported bridges are even more dependable, promising greater durability and less interference with remaining natural teeth.

But just like other restorations, you'll need to keep implant bridges clean to ensure their longevity. Although both the bridge and implants are impervious to disease, the supporting gums and bone aren't. If they become infected, they can break down and your restoration will fail.

Cleaning an implant-supported bridge includes flossing around each of the implants to remove dental plaque, a thin film of food particles and bacteria most responsible for dental disease. To perform this task, you'll have to pass the floss between the bridge and gums to access the sides of each implant.

To help make it easier, you can use a tool like a floss threader, a thin, shaft-like device with a loop on one end and a needle-like point on the other. You'll first thread about 18" of floss through the end and then pass the threader between the bridge and gums with the sharp end toward the tongue.

With the threader completely through, you'll then wrap the floss around your fingers as with regular flossing and move the floss up and down each side of the implants you can access. You'll then pull the floss out, reload the threader and move to the next section, repeating this process until you've flossed each side of each implant.

You can also use pre-cut floss with a stiffened end to thread between the bridge and gums or an interproximal brush with a thin bristled head that can reach underneath the bridge. And you might consider using an oral irrigator, a pump device that sprays a stream of pressurized water to remove and flush away plaque around implants.

To round out your hygiene efforts, be sure you visit your dentist at least twice a year for dental cleanings. Your dentist can also advise you and give you training on keeping your implants clear of disease-causing plaque. Cleaning around your implants will help ensure your restoration will last.

If you would like more information on caring for your dental restoration, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Oral Hygiene for Fixed Bridgework.”

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Regular Flossing not Your Thing? Try an Oral Irrigator

By Daniel A. Nyhuis, DMD
May 16, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral hygiene   flossing  
RegularFlossingnotYourThingTryanOralIrrigator

One of the keys to a healthy mouth is daily oral hygiene. These tasks have one objective: remove plaque, a thin film of bacteria and leftover food particles, from tooth surfaces. Plaque fosters bacterial growth that can cause diseases like tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease.

Brushing does an effective job removing plaque from the broad surfaces of teeth. But because plaque can also grow between teeth where your brush can’t reach, you also need to floss.

Unfortunately, flossing is a lot of people’s least favorite hygiene task. It can be time-consuming and requires a little more dexterity than brushing. As a result, it’s common for people to brush but not floss — and potentially miss plaque that could trigger dental disease.

There is an easier alternative to traditional string flossing: an oral irrigator. These countertop appliances deliver a stream of pulsating water at high pressure through a handheld device that looks similar to a power toothbrush. The user directs the water stream through the nozzle tip (which comes in various sizes) between the teeth. The water vibrates plaque loose and then rinses it away.

Besides people with limited dexterity, water flossers are also ideal for individuals wearing braces or other orthodontic hardware. Because of the metal hardware on and around teeth, flossing can be an arduous task. An oral irrigator makes it easier to floss and reduce plaque buildup, a perennial problem for orthodontic patients. In fact, one study of orthodontic patients found that using an irrigator with a tip especially designed for braces removed five times as much plaque as patients using only a manual toothbrush.

Of course, anyone can use an oral irrigator as an alternative to traditional flossing. Your dentist and staff can advise you on what to look for in equipment and provide instruction on how to use it. If traditional flossing isn’t your thing, consider an oral irrigator to get rid of plaque and keep your teeth and gums healthy and attractive.

If you would like more information on oral irrigation to remove daily plaque, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Cleaning between Your Teeth: How Water Flossing can help.”

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What You Need to Know to Buy the Right Toothbrush

By Daniel A. Nyhuis, DMD
January 06, 2019
Category: Uncategorized
Tags: oral hygiene  
WhatYouNeedtoKnowtoBuytheRightToothbrush

If there’s one essential tool for protecting your dental health, it’s the humble toothbrush. The basic manual brush with a long, slender handle and short-bristled head is still effective when used skillfully. The market, though, is full of choices, all of them touting their brand as the best.

So how do you choose? You can cut through any marketing hype with a few simple guidelines.

First, understand what you’re trying to accomplish with brushing: removing dental plaque, that thin film of bacteria and food particles on tooth surfaces that’s the main cause of dental disease. Brushing also stimulates gum tissue and helps reduce inflammation.

With that in mind, you’ll first want to consider the texture of a toothbrush’s bristles, whether they’re stiff (hard) or more pliable (soft). You might think the firmer the better for removing plaque, but actually a soft-bristled brush is just as effective in this regard. Stiffer bristles could also damage the gums over the long term.

Speaking of bristles, look for those that have rounded tips. In a 2016 study, less rounded tips increased gum recession in the study’s participants by 30%. You should also look for toothbrushes with different bristle heights: longer bristles at the end can be more effective cleaning back teeth.

As far as size and shape, choose a brush that seems right and comfortable for you when you hold it. For children or people with dexterity problems, a handle with a large grip area can make the toothbrush easier to hold and use.

And look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, something you may have seen on some toothpaste brands. It means the toothbrush in question has undergone independent testing and meets the ADA’s standards for effectiveness. That doesn’t mean a particular brush without the seal is sub-standard—when in doubt ask your dentist on their recommendation.

Even a quality toothbrush is only as effective as your skill in using it. Your dental provider can help, giving you tips and training for getting the most out of your brush. With practice, you and your toothbrush can effectively remove disease-causing plaque and help keep your smile beautiful and healthy.

If you would like more information on what to look for in a toothbrush, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Sizing up Toothbrushes.”

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Regular Cleanings Benefit Both Your Dental Health and Your Smile

By Daniel A. Nyhuis, DMD
October 18, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: oral hygiene   dental cleanings  
RegularCleaningsBenefitBothYourDentalHealthandYourSmile

Dental cleanings are an important part of regular dental office visits. Performed by a dental hygienist or dentist, cleanings serve two purposes: to remove bacterial plaque and calculus (hardened deposits of plaque) from tooth surfaces missed during daily brushing and flossing; and to remove stains that can dull your smile.

There are different degrees of cleaning, including root planing that removes plaque and calculus deep below the gum line, usually for patients affected by periodontal (gum) disease. For patients in good oral health, the basic cleaning approach is known as prophylaxis, a term derived from the Greek for guarding or preventing beforehand. The techniques used in a prophylaxis remove both “coronal” (tooth surfaces visible above the gum line) plaque and staining, providing both therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.

A typical prophylaxis includes a procedure known as scaling. Hygienists use special instruments known as scalers to remove plaque and calculus by hand, or an ultrasonic device that vibrates plaque loose and is flushed away with water. The procedure removes that rough coating you often feel as you rub your tongue against your teeth, leaving the tooth surfaces feeling smooth.

Tooth polishing is a subsequent procedure to scaling that also removes plaque and surface stains. Polishing is carried out with a motorized instrument with a rubber cup in which a polishing (or “prophy”) paste is contained. The hygienist moves the rapidly rotating cup filled with the paste over the tooth surface to remove plaque and stains. The end result is a highly smooth surface and a much shinier appearance.

People with dental insurance plans are often concerned tooth polishing may be viewed strictly as a cosmetic procedure, and thus not fully qualify for benefits. This should not be the case if coded properly: tooth polishing is part of the overall prophylaxis to remove plaque and staining. The primary purpose is therapeutic and preventive; the cosmetic effect is a by-product. Most dental plans will cover one or two prophylaxes (scaling and tooth polishing) a year, but there are variations so individuals should check their plans.

If you would like more information on dental cleaning, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Tooth Polishing.”

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Older Posts oral hygiene (11)
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Archive:

  • 2019
      • December (1)
        • Don't Worry About Dental Amalgam: It's Safe for Treating Cavities
      • November (3)
        • 4 Foods That Are Good for Both Your Mouth and Your Body
        • Miley Cyrus's Little Secret: Straightening Her Smile With Lingual Braces
        • Fluoridated Drinking Water Helps Curb Tooth Decay Safely
      • October (3)
        • Sleep Apnea Might be Robbing you of More than a Good Night's Sleep
        • That Scalded Feeling Isn't in Your Head - It Could Be Burning Mouth Syndrome
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
      • September (3)
        • Take Charge of Stress Management to Reduce Teeth Grinding Habits
        • Your Reoccurring Sinus Infections May Actually Be Caused by Tooth Decay
        • Contrary to Popular Opinion, Vaping May Not Be Safer Than Smoking
      • August (3)
        • Viggo Mortensen's Red-Carpet Smile
        • Floss First or Last? Here are Reasons for Either Approach
        • That Toothache Might Not Be From Your Tooth: The Problem of Referred Pain
      • July (3)
        • The Tale of the Toothworm
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
        • What You can Do to Stop Sugar from Harming Your Health
      • June (3)
        • Why You Should Floss Around the Implants Supporting Your Bridge
        • Implant-Supported Dentures Could Help You Avoid Bone Loss
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
      • May (3)
        • Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cancer with a Healthy Diet
        • Regular Flossing not Your Thing? Try an Oral Irrigator
        • Consider an Effective and Affordable RPD for Teeth Replacement
      • April (3)
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • Know the Facts Before Considering Botox for Jaw Joint Pain
        • Stress and Nighttime Teeth Grinding
      • March (3)
        • Treating TMD Like Other Joint-Related Problems
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • 3 Tips for Helping Your Kids Develop Great Tooth-Friendly Habits
      • February (3)
        • Bitewing X-rays: Your Questions Answered
        • Did You Know? February Is National Children's Dental Health Month!
        • Lady Gaga Wasn't "Born This Way?"
      • January (3)
        • 4 Things you Should do if Your Child Complains of a Toothache
        • A Crown Could be the Answer to Preserving Your Damaged Tooth
        • What You Need to Know to Buy the Right Toothbrush
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • Why Bear a Chipped Tooth?
        • Oral Sedation Helps Reduce Anxiety During Dental Treatment
      • November (3)
        • 4 Things to Know About Diabetes and Gum Health
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • Diabetes and Oral Health: True or False?
      • October (3)
        • Test Your Knowledge: A Quiz on Dental Erosion
        • Regular Cleanings Benefit Both Your Dental Health and Your Smile
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
      • September (3)
        • Complications from Missing Teeth Could Limit Your Replacement Options
        • A Low Sugar, High Fiber Diet will Help Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
        • Protect Your Teeth During Football Season
      • August (3)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Help Your Child Develop Good Oral Habits and Avoid Bad Ones
        • Can't Afford Dental Implants? Consider Partial Dentures
      • July (3)
        • 5 Warning Signs You May Have Gum Disease
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Good Oral Hygiene Just as Important for Implants as for Natural Teeth
      • June (3)
        • Bonding with Composite Resins Ideal for Restoring Chipped Teeth
        • June Is National Safety Month: Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
      • May (4)
        • Implant-Supported Dentures Could Contribute to Better Bone Health
        • Baseball Fan Catches Her Own Knocked-Out Tooth
        • Temporary Tooth Replacement with Flexible Partial Dentures
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
      • April (2)
        • Proper Cleaning Techniques can Help you Control Chronic Bad Breath
        • Managing Gum Disease Could Benefit Other Conditions You May Have
      • March (3)
        • Food for Thought - What to Eat for Optimum Oral Health
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
        • The Time Interval to Replant a Knocked Out Tooth Can Affect its Longevity
      • February (2)
        • The Simple Bitewing X-Ray is a Game Changer for Maintaining Dental Health
        • The Health of Your Mouth Could Affect the Rest of Your Body
      • January (2)
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
        • 4 Areas We May Check During Your Older Loved One's Regular Dental Visit
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Changes in Bone Structure can Affect Denture Fit
        • Composite Resin Could Transform Your Tooth's Appearance in Just one Visit
      • November (2)
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • How Effective is Your Oral Hygiene? Find Out with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
      • October (2)
        • Not All Crowns are Alike. Know the Differences to Get the Look you Want
        • Chronic Dry Mouth Could be Increasing Your Risk of Dental Disease
      • September (2)
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • A 4-Step Process for Achieving Your Highest Oral Health Possible
      • August (3)
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • 5 Tips to Keeping a Healthy Mouth During Your College Years
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
      • July (2)
        • Include Limitations on Sugar in Your Tooth Decay Prevention Strategy
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
      • June (2)
        • Tips on Encouraging Healthy Snacking While Your Child's at School
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
      • May (2)
        • Make Dental Care a Priority When You're Pregnant
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
      • April (2)
        • Encourage Your College-Bound Child to Practice Good Oral Health Habits
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
      • March (2)
        • Bone Loss Could be the Reason for Your Loose Dentures
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • February (3)
        • That Painful, Irritating Feeling Could be Burning Mouth Syndrome
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
        • The 21st Century Promises Better Dental Diagnostics with Cone Beam Imaging
      • January (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Having Trouble Flossing? Try Using an Oral Irrigator
  • 2016
      • December (3)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Mild Pain Relievers may be all you need for Discomfort after Dental Work
        • Remodel 2016
      • November (3)
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Dental Implants can Replace Your Whole Tooth, Not Just What You See
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • October (2)
        • X-Ray Radiation Exposure is Much Less than Daily Environmental Radiation
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
      • September (3)
        • Artificial Sweeteners can Boost your Dental Health
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
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(973) 831-8950

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