Inside Dental Hygiene (IDH): What recommendations do you have about flosses, interproximal brushes, and toothbrushes?
Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH: I like to tell patients that floss isn't for everyone. If there are larger spaces between teeth and floss easily passes through, it's time to look into interproximal brushes. This is case by case for sure, but it's great to be able to offer individualized care and recommendations. When it comes to brushes, I love to recommend electric toothbrushes with proper technique. I show them the proper technique to both be gentle and also have the most effective biofilm removal.
IDH: What else do you advise your patients about home care products?
Lewis: It depends on the patient. As we are performing treatment on the patient or doing a periodontal assessment, we can usually tell as clinicians what would be best for the patient. Writing down recommendations for patients can be helpful, so they'll remember to look further into the product.
IDH: How do you feel about mouthrinses?
Lewis: I'm not the biggest mouthrinse recommender, but again it is case by case. If they are a high caries risk patient, we should be recommending something that can help with remineralization. For gingival inflammation, the active ingredient should help with that. I also always tell patients that mechanical removal of bacteria is king before mouth rinsing. It's easy to rinse and feel fresh and clean, but that really isn't touching the layers of bacteria in biofilm. Mechanical removal is key to keep bacteria and inflammation down.
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Figures and Images
Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH
Spry Gum
Willo AutoFlo+
