Preventive Dentistry

Proper brushing of teeth can be done in three steps:

1. Brush teeth gently using a circular motion along the outside and inside of the tooth surface.
2. Make sure to brush each tooth individually and to use the front half of the brush in a circular motion vertically behind the front teeth.
3. Place the brush against the top of your teeth using a gentle back-and-forth motion to brush. After brushing all your teeth, be sure to brush your tongue in order to remove odor-producing bacteria.

Brushing with Orthodontics

Be sure to brush your teeth right after every meal and before you go to bed. It's best to use a fluoride toothpaste to help fight cavities. Your orthodontist may prescribe a fluoride mouth rinse to help prevent cavities.

In order to floss properly, begin by taking approximately 18 inches of floss and winding one end a few times around your middle finger. Leave approximately 6 inches of floss between your hands and wrap the opposite end of the floss around your other middle finger once. Put the floss between your thumbs and index fingers and hold tightly.

As you insert the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion, curve the floss in the shape of a C once it reaches the gum line. Move the floss up and down against the side of the tooth in a gentle manner, making sure you work the floss into the adjacent tooth before moving onto the next space. Wind a little floss around your middle finger in order to get a new section of floss to work into your gums.

Flossing with Orthodontics

Because your toothbrush won't reach between your teeth, brushing alone won't keep your teeth clean and healthy. Flossing can help. A floss threader, available from us or a pharmacy, helps you floss with braces on. Floss once a day, like this:

1. Thread floss through the threader and slip it up behind your archwire.
2. Pull the floss between two teeth and up under your gum margins.
3. Rinse with lots of clean water, and watch your teeth and braces sparkle!

Plaque is essentially the start of gum disease problems. Plaque is a build-up from bacteria in the mouth and particles from the foods you eat every day.

Once sugars are introduced to plaque, it turns into a tooth eating acid that sits just above the gum line. If regular oral care isn't standard, the acid will start eating at the teeth producing cavities and the plaque can cause gum disease.

Plaque that is allowed to sit for a prolonged period of time can cause cavities, gingivitis, and other problems in your mouth. If it's left longer than that, serious dental procedures may be required to restore your decaying smile.

In the event that you need more than just a routine cleaning, we have aditional services we provide:

Tooth Scaling: Tooth scaling removes plaque, tartar and hard crusty calculus deposits, which are loaded with bacteria. Sub-gingival tooth scaling is necessary when plaque and tartar are detected below the gum line.

Root Planing: Sometimes after a tooth scaling, the roots of a tooth must be planed in order to create a smooth surface for the gum tissue to re-attach to. In addition to the planing, your dentist may also prescribe medication in order to control infection and pain.

Sealants: Dr. Rinck treats children. One of the best ways to keep a child cavity free is with proper home care instruction and with sealants. Sealants have been proven to prevent cavities but they do not replace proper hygiene.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child receive an initial orthodontic examination as early as age seven. The timing of orthodontic treatment is extremely important and greatly affects the treatment result. Early diagnosis and treatment by a specialist can help prevent more serious problems.

Orthodontics is not just for children. While most people tend to associate orthodontics with children, adults are also prime candidates for treatment. Approximately 25% of all orthodontic patients are adults. Advances in technology and the introduction of more indiscriminate, clear braces make the benefits of orthodontics a must for any adult.