Which tooth brush is best...and more dental ques

Sam999
Sam999 Member Posts: 319 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Now that we will need to take care of teeth for lifetime, i have started to looking into buying a good tooth bursh. I also always had sesitive teeth and my gum line is receding in one or two teeth which is not good. However my dentist did clear me for treatment (oncology dentist)

I was looking and it seems sonicarr comes with soft bursh heads.

Would be great to hear from everyone on expriences on their tooth brush and dental care.

I also regularly use water pick, now during the treatment using it only at the lowesr setting. If you are using water pik, what setting do you use?

Also which dental floss seems to work best for you. I am liking satin floss by pro health.

Thanks,
Sam
«1

Comments

  • jtl
    jtl Member Posts: 456
    #2
    Caries
    You need to also consider what toothpaste to use. After doing plenty of research and listening to others on this board I decided to try a multidisciplinary approach. I use a prescription toothpaste called SF5000 Plus to get the mega fluoride. This is a generic version of Colgate Prevident 5000. I combine the high fluoride product with something called Dr. Collins Restore, available on Amazon. I use this before bed and leave it on. The Restore has a large dose of something called NovaMin which will re-mineralize your teeth. In the morning I just use Restore and in the evening I mix restore with Sensodyne which has a little fluoride but not the therapudic levels of the prescription products. I also use a Sonicare toothbrush and Perio toothbrushes also from Dr. Collons, they are extremely soft. I have a water pic but I don't think it does much that you can't do with flossing.

    The problem we have, and maybe you already know this, is that the rt not only lowers the amount of saliva in many people but it also changes the pH. Ideally, your mouth should be alkaline or about 7.4 pH, after rt it may go as low as 5.5 which is acidic and this causes major demineralization. This leads to decay and sensitivity. Google NovaMin to get the whole story on how it reverses the process.

    After only 3 weeks of using the Restore I have notice some improvement so I am satisfied and think it will continue to continue.

    John
  • Sam999
    Sam999 Member Posts: 319 Member
    #3
    jtl said:

    Caries
    You need to also consider what toothpaste to use. After doing plenty of research and listening to others on this board I decided to try a multidisciplinary approach. I use a prescription toothpaste called SF5000 Plus to get the mega fluoride. This is a generic version of Colgate Prevident 5000. I combine the high fluoride product with something called Dr. Collins Restore, available on Amazon. I use this before bed and leave it on. The Restore has a large dose of something called NovaMin which will re-mineralize your teeth. In the morning I just use Restore and in the evening I mix restore with Sensodyne which has a little fluoride but not the therapudic levels of the prescription products. I also use a Sonicare toothbrush and Perio toothbrushes also from Dr. Collons, they are extremely soft. I have a water pic but I don't think it does much that you can't do with flossing.

    The problem we have, and maybe you already know this, is that the rt not only lowers the amount of saliva in many people but it also changes the pH. Ideally, your mouth should be alkaline or about 7.4 pH, after rt it may go as low as 5.5 which is acidic and this causes major demineralization. This leads to decay and sensitivity. Google NovaMin to get the whole story on how it reverses the process.

    After only 3 weeks of using the Restore I have notice some improvement so I am satisfied and think it will continue to continue.

    John

    John,
    This was really good
    John,

    This was really good info, i will check with my oncology dentist to see if he will be okay me using restore during radation. Based on what i read, it should be allowed. Did you use it during the radiation?

    So at night you use first the flouride toothpaste and than put restore on it and leave both for the night?

    Also do you use regular sonicare brush head?

    Sorry for too many questions but i am realy concerned about my teeth as they are not good to begin with.

    Thanks,
    Sam
  • jtl
    jtl Member Posts: 456
    #4
    Sam999 said:

    John,
    This was really good
    John,

    This was really good info, i will check with my oncology dentist to see if he will be okay me using restore during radation. Based on what i read, it should be allowed. Did you use it during the radiation?

    So at night you use first the flouride toothpaste and than put restore on it and leave both for the night?

    Also do you use regular sonicare brush head?

    Sorry for too many questions but i am realy concerned about my teeth as they are not good to begin with.

    Thanks,
    Sam

    I did not use the Restore
    I did not use the Restore until about 3 weeks ago and I am almost 6 months post RT. I did use the prescription flouride from day one of treatments. The more I read the more I became convinced we need more than just flouride, in fact some would say it is not good for you and is of questionable value. The NovaMin is pretty new for use in tooth repair, it was originally developed to repair bones. Look it up, I was pretty impressed, but like everything it is a crap shoot.

    I only use the flouride before going to bed because it is supposed to remain on your teeth for at least 30 min. Some people use trays but I just brush it on. The Restore can be used anytime. I really like it but one thing I noticed is that it really stimulates the flow of saliva which is good.

    I use the regular Sonicare brush and I think it is good to use but I also use the ultra soft Dr Collins brush which really feels good. My non-professional opinion is if you are getting gum recession and don't already have sensitivity, you will because of the demineralization process. I sure your dentist can confirm this. NovaMin supposedly reverses this. If you hear anything to the contrary or if your dentist has other ideas post it up.
    John
  • Sam999
    Sam999 Member Posts: 319 Member
    #5
    jtl said:

    I did not use the Restore
    I did not use the Restore until about 3 weeks ago and I am almost 6 months post RT. I did use the prescription flouride from day one of treatments. The more I read the more I became convinced we need more than just flouride, in fact some would say it is not good for you and is of questionable value. The NovaMin is pretty new for use in tooth repair, it was originally developed to repair bones. Look it up, I was pretty impressed, but like everything it is a crap shoot.

    I only use the flouride before going to bed because it is supposed to remain on your teeth for at least 30 min. Some people use trays but I just brush it on. The Restore can be used anytime. I really like it but one thing I noticed is that it really stimulates the flow of saliva which is good.

    I use the regular Sonicare brush and I think it is good to use but I also use the ultra soft Dr Collins brush which really feels good. My non-professional opinion is if you are getting gum recession and don't already have sensitivity, you will because of the demineralization process. I sure your dentist can confirm this. NovaMin supposedly reverses this. If you hear anything to the contrary or if your dentist has other ideas post it up.
    John

    Hi john,
    I will be sure to
    Hi john,

    I will be sure to ask my dentist and post back. Only problem is MKSCC is very conservative and anything new they do not like. I am worried for my teeth and would like any help i can get.

    Thanks,
    Sam
  • jtl
    jtl Member Posts: 456
    #6
    Sam999 said:

    Hi john,
    I will be sure to
    Hi john,

    I will be sure to ask my dentist and post back. Only problem is MKSCC is very conservative and anything new they do not like. I am worried for my teeth and would like any help i can get.

    Thanks,
    Sam

    Sam
    This is not cutting edge. Their are several studies and it isn't like it replaces something else, whatever that may be. Most dentists just recommend fluoride which is part of my regimen. I just step it up, I don't know if it works or not but it won't harm you.
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #7
    jtl said:

    Sam
    This is not cutting edge. Their are several studies and it isn't like it replaces something else, whatever that may be. Most dentists just recommend fluoride which is part of my regimen. I just step it up, I don't know if it works or not but it won't harm you.

    Sam
    Was told the sodium flouride/Prevident is to be used before, during, and after tx. Not sure you want to overdo the tooth care, though, as it might be possible to do them more damage than would otherwise happen if you brush them a lot more, etc. If you are having full rads to the mouth, you may lose the tops on all of your natural teeth, as I did, and will lose an acceptable amount of gum tissue. I was not told I could use a tooth guard during the rad sessions, but to me- that would make the most sense in actually doing something significant to help the teeth. My teeth didn't have C, so I got no clue why they had to suffer the zappings, but they did, and it appears much of the protective coating on my teeth got zapped away. I would suggest asking if you can wear a plastic tooth guard during the sessions.

    kcass
  • jtl
    jtl Member Posts: 456
    #8
    Kent Cass said:

    Sam
    Was told the sodium flouride/Prevident is to be used before, during, and after tx. Not sure you want to overdo the tooth care, though, as it might be possible to do them more damage than would otherwise happen if you brush them a lot more, etc. If you are having full rads to the mouth, you may lose the tops on all of your natural teeth, as I did, and will lose an acceptable amount of gum tissue. I was not told I could use a tooth guard during the rad sessions, but to me- that would make the most sense in actually doing something significant to help the teeth. My teeth didn't have C, so I got no clue why they had to suffer the zappings, but they did, and it appears much of the protective coating on my teeth got zapped away. I would suggest asking if you can wear a plastic tooth guard during the sessions.

    kcass

    Kent
    I am not a expert so take what I say with that in mind. I don't think that it is so much the rads directly destroying the teeth but rather the effects they have on saliva, both quantity and pH. When the pH changes from alkaline to acidic the surface of the teeth demineralize. I personally don't think you can over do the care of your teeth except for aggressive brushing of the gums with a hard brush. Nupro 5000 is another prescription product that is supposed to be very good but my insurance doesn't cover it. It has the max flouride and also has the NovaMin, basically it is the same as me mixing my Prevedent generic with the Restore toothpase. Keep smiling (:

    John
  • fisrpotpe
    fisrpotpe Member Posts: 1,349 Member
    #9
    saved
    my dentist's at Indiana Dental School to me to get a sonicare tooth brush, use bioteen dry mouth tooth past, floss and use sonicare tooth brush for the 5000 fluoride. at the time i had 9 cavities and 2 root canals. they repaired the teeth. that was 8 years ago. since i have used their recommendation i have had maybe 2-3 very small cavities.

    they saved my teeth with their recommendation

    i added in the waterpic 3-4 years ago my self and what a huge difference. i use the hottest water i can stand for the reason i choose, a dish washers uses hot water to clean it has to help my teeth. I use it on the highest setting. it's also great after having a snack to rinse quickly and adds moisture to dry mouth

    john

    btw my local dentist fought to say teeth for 7-8 years and gave up so i went with the Indiana School of Dentistry because they have huge experience with head and neck patients.
  • jtl
    jtl Member Posts: 456
    #10
    This article may be of
    This article may be of interest but you will need to copy and paste.

    http://www.rdhmag.com/index/display/article-display/372087/articles/rdh/volume-29/issue-12/feature/remineralization-confusion-runs-rampant-in-my-mind-where-do-i-begin.html
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #11
    jtl said:

    Kent
    I am not a expert so take what I say with that in mind. I don't think that it is so much the rads directly destroying the teeth but rather the effects they have on saliva, both quantity and pH. When the pH changes from alkaline to acidic the surface of the teeth demineralize. I personally don't think you can over do the care of your teeth except for aggressive brushing of the gums with a hard brush. Nupro 5000 is another prescription product that is supposed to be very good but my insurance doesn't cover it. It has the max flouride and also has the NovaMin, basically it is the same as me mixing my Prevedent generic with the Restore toothpase. Keep smiling (:

    John

    jtl
    I do agree with the saliva effect, which my Dentist has also noted, and has been recognized, here, for some time. My only angle about overdoing it is in regards to overbrushing- only so much cleaning to be done on the tooth surface, and beyond that gets into overkill that might actually be taking away from good tooth surface. And, no, I am not an expert, either, John.

    Delnative, a fallen Brother, here, helped me a lot with advice a couple years ago, as he'd dealt with tooth issues to the max. I have had the tops of 8 teeth rebuilt with a white ceramic-like substance, and more need it. Literally, the tops on all my natural teeth were destroyed, exposing the discolored insides of some of the teeth and forming jagged edges on others. My Dentist says that it's from "grinding," but that does not explain why all was good for the first 54 years of my life, then the 3 years since the rads comes this drastic change. No way that it's not surface damage done by the rads, with the saliva hit being a contributing factor.

    And, I was the one who some 19-months after my last rad drove out to the University of Iowa to be told the flouride trays had been a standard, there, for 30-years in using before, during and after the kinda H&N rads I had done. Only Delnative had advised me of such- not my rad Dr, nor Dentist. It was like they didn't even have a clue. And I have been using the generic for Prevident ever since.

    A word for all those currently in tx- Dental bills likely coming your way. Of the $11K I figure is out-of-pocket for me, nearly half of it has been Dental billings- which includes the 8 rebuilt teeth, one root canal and two Crowns, and several fillings replaced. So, be prepared for the financial hit.

    kcass
  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    #12
    Excellent information here.
    Thanks, everyone. I would add that I use a dental floss that also contains fluoride, with the idea that maybe some of the fluoride is being deposited between my teeth and along the gum line when I floss. My dentist has also prescribed Prevident 5000. As a side note, the dentist was out of the regular Prevident this last visit, and instead sold me the Prevident 5000 product for "sensitive teeth." I don't have sensitive teeth, and I find that the product really burns my tongue when I use it. Eeeek.

    Deb
  • CajunEagle
    CajunEagle Member Posts: 408
    #13
    D Lewis said:

    Excellent information here.
    Thanks, everyone. I would add that I use a dental floss that also contains fluoride, with the idea that maybe some of the fluoride is being deposited between my teeth and along the gum line when I floss. My dentist has also prescribed Prevident 5000. As a side note, the dentist was out of the regular Prevident this last visit, and instead sold me the Prevident 5000 product for "sensitive teeth." I don't have sensitive teeth, and I find that the product really burns my tongue when I use it. Eeeek.

    Deb

    Deb...
    Yep, I tried that "sensitive teeth" Prevident 5000 and had the same reaction. I go every 4 months, and make sure they have an ample supply of "Dry Mouth" Prevident 5000. Recently, along with using the Water Pic, trays filled with Gel Cam, ACT Floride mouthwash, and the Prevident, I've kinda gotten used to using something called "GUM soft picks". It's almost like a soft massage for my gums, and tight places between my teeth are no enemy for these little plastic brushes. Got them at the pharmacy near toothbrushes and flosses. I can keep a few of them in my wallet when I'm out and about, but used disscreatly (as we have to do with alot of our new operations).

    Larry
  • mls351w
    mls351w Member Posts: 90
    #14
    CajunEagle said:

    Deb...
    Yep, I tried that "sensitive teeth" Prevident 5000 and had the same reaction. I go every 4 months, and make sure they have an ample supply of "Dry Mouth" Prevident 5000. Recently, along with using the Water Pic, trays filled with Gel Cam, ACT Floride mouthwash, and the Prevident, I've kinda gotten used to using something called "GUM soft picks". It's almost like a soft massage for my gums, and tight places between my teeth are no enemy for these little plastic brushes. Got them at the pharmacy near toothbrushes and flosses. I can keep a few of them in my wallet when I'm out and about, but used disscreatly (as we have to do with alot of our new operations).

    Larry

    my "tooth" cents worth
    Had scc bot in 2006. Had last two wisdom teeth removed before treatment started, something about not being able to ever have an extraction.
    Before contracting Big C I brushed twice a day and flossed twice a year(when I went in for a cleaning). I was fortunate to be referred to a leading, cutting edge dentist that specializes in treating people with head & neck radiation issues. He recommended an electric brush, built my floride trays, and took extensive measurements of my teeth and gum lines.
    I started the following routine several weeks before treatment started.
    After every meal and snack, brush, use a special tongue brush(not tooth brush), mouthwash, and floss.
    At night before bedtime, floride treatment for at least 10 minutes.

    My materials;
    Oral B electric brush. I have had the same one since 2006.
    Plain-jane Crest Pro Health toothpaste.
    Special tongue brush(free from dentist)
    Act Alcohol-Free mouthwash with the cool fixture that you squeeze and fill for a perfect portion.
    Plackers Micro-Mint dental flossers. I carry a bag of these in all our vehicles when I am not able to brush right away. Good for big hands and little mouth.
    In my floride trays I use prescription Colgate PreviDent Gel, not Paste.

    I am not recommending this to anyone, but it has served me well. My dentist and hygentist are totally amazed at the condition of my teeth and gums. I visit them 3 times a year for cleanings and yearly exam. My teeth are in better condition now than before my treatment started.
    Now I want to add this bit of opinion.
    I firmly believe that good oral hygiene is one of the most important factors in healing from this ordeal. I was fortunate that I could maintain the above routine through-out my entire treatment. Before getting C, I would put anything that would fit into my mouth. It was my third hand. I put pencils, nails, etc. Not anymore. I kinda blame my cancer on all the projects that I built with pressure-treated wood(they use to use arsenic in the process).
    There has been a great blessing from this ordeal. I tend to bite the inside of my mouth and cheeks when I eat and sleep. This would cause a big open sore that burned like hello whenever I ate anything. They would also take weeks to heal. Now, because I continue my oral hygiene religiously, those bites heal literally overnight because I am killing alot of bacteria. You mouth is really a dirty, filthy place. That is why human bites are so dangerous.
    Again, not recommending my routine or materials, but it worked for me.
    Long-winded reply, I know.
    Peace-Out

    Mark S.
  • patricke
    patricke Member Posts: 570 Member
    #15
    Hey Sam, years ago, my
    Hey Sam, years ago, my dentist recommended Sonicare, and I have been using it ever since. I am very happy with its' performance, and I have the whole family using Sonicare. I like waxed Denotape. I also use Biotine PBF toothpaste and mouthwash.

    PATRICK
  • tommyodavey
    tommyodavey Member Posts: 728 Member
    #16
    patricke said:

    Hey Sam, years ago, my
    Hey Sam, years ago, my dentist recommended Sonicare, and I have been using it ever since. I am very happy with its' performance, and I have the whole family using Sonicare. I like waxed Denotape. I also use Biotine PBF toothpaste and mouthwash.

    PATRICK

    All Good
    So many good suggestions posted that I've put off giving my opinion till now.

    22 years ago I had gum disease and was told I needed gum surgery or I'd lose my teeth by age 50. My hygienist told me how to take care of my teeth to avoid surgery and I did it. A year later my pockets shrunk better than surgery would have done. The only problem was the gums pulled up high and a lot of root is exposed. At age 57 I only lost one back molar a year ago. The tooth was okay, just not enough gum to hold it in.

    When my oncologist sent me to an Oral Surgeon to have him pull any questionable teeth, he said they were all perfect and good to go.

    Here is what I've done all these years:

    Brush 20 minutes after a meal. (it gives your saliva a chance to work first) At night before bed I'd floss. My dentist told me that you only need to floss once at night because it takes 24 hours for tartar to harden to plaque. It's worked for 22 years.

    Then I use a proxy brush to get in between the teeth. Both inside and out.

    The toothbrush I use is called Oral B Sonic Complete. It's the same as a Sonicare. When you brush, go easy at a 45º angle. What you are trying to do is take away the tartar that you loosened by flossing. Then a gentle up and down and all around. Brushing too hard does damage to the gum line.

    Now the last thing that's been added is my fluoride trays. The Oral Surgeon gave me Colgate Gel-Kam and told me to leave it in for 5 minutes. I was also told to see a Dentist who is familiar with radiation patients every 3 months for a check up.

    The whole process takes me 20 minutes and I do it just before retiring to bed.

    Do you see how we all get different suggestions? I didn't want to post this because of the length but did so anyway. Now you get to decide which works best for you Sam.

    Tom
  • Sam999
    Sam999 Member Posts: 319 Member
    #17
    tommyodavey said:

    All Good
    So many good suggestions posted that I've put off giving my opinion till now.

    22 years ago I had gum disease and was told I needed gum surgery or I'd lose my teeth by age 50. My hygienist told me how to take care of my teeth to avoid surgery and I did it. A year later my pockets shrunk better than surgery would have done. The only problem was the gums pulled up high and a lot of root is exposed. At age 57 I only lost one back molar a year ago. The tooth was okay, just not enough gum to hold it in.

    When my oncologist sent me to an Oral Surgeon to have him pull any questionable teeth, he said they were all perfect and good to go.

    Here is what I've done all these years:

    Brush 20 minutes after a meal. (it gives your saliva a chance to work first) At night before bed I'd floss. My dentist told me that you only need to floss once at night because it takes 24 hours for tartar to harden to plaque. It's worked for 22 years.

    Then I use a proxy brush to get in between the teeth. Both inside and out.

    The toothbrush I use is called Oral B Sonic Complete. It's the same as a Sonicare. When you brush, go easy at a 45º angle. What you are trying to do is take away the tartar that you loosened by flossing. Then a gentle up and down and all around. Brushing too hard does damage to the gum line.

    Now the last thing that's been added is my fluoride trays. The Oral Surgeon gave me Colgate Gel-Kam and told me to leave it in for 5 minutes. I was also told to see a Dentist who is familiar with radiation patients every 3 months for a check up.

    The whole process takes me 20 minutes and I do it just before retiring to bed.

    Do you see how we all get different suggestions? I didn't want to post this because of the length but did so anyway. Now you get to decide which works best for you Sam.

    Tom

    As always, just wonderful
    As always, just wonderful information here. Thanks so much everyone for taking the time to write down your experience. Only we as oral cance patients understand how important is teeth care for us.

    Looks like most people are using flouride trays. My doctor was insisting on flouride toothpaste (provident) brut with dry mouth i need water and no longer can brush my teeth and not drink water, so now they okayed using flouride trays.

    With sonicare, some how i had problem handling it at 45 degrees and sometimes it touched my cheek causing irritiation. So now i havee ordrered oral B for sensitive teeth and will try that out. My hubby said he will use the one i dont like. There are different brush heads so he could us them.

    John, as expected, my doctor did not approve restore tooth paste. I guess i will just start using it on my own after the treatment ia over.

    so here is the plan:

    Use either sonicare or oral b ( will post which one i like best) toothbrush
    Floss every night, i am still learning to floss upper teeth properly, any tips will be welcome.
    Use flouride toothpaste along with restore after treatment

    Thanks again for all the wonderful information.
    Sam
  • tommyodavey
    tommyodavey Member Posts: 728 Member
    #18
    Sam999 said:

    As always, just wonderful
    As always, just wonderful information here. Thanks so much everyone for taking the time to write down your experience. Only we as oral cance patients understand how important is teeth care for us.

    Looks like most people are using flouride trays. My doctor was insisting on flouride toothpaste (provident) brut with dry mouth i need water and no longer can brush my teeth and not drink water, so now they okayed using flouride trays.

    With sonicare, some how i had problem handling it at 45 degrees and sometimes it touched my cheek causing irritiation. So now i havee ordrered oral B for sensitive teeth and will try that out. My hubby said he will use the one i dont like. There are different brush heads so he could us them.

    John, as expected, my doctor did not approve restore tooth paste. I guess i will just start using it on my own after the treatment ia over.

    so here is the plan:

    Use either sonicare or oral b ( will post which one i like best) toothbrush
    Floss every night, i am still learning to floss upper teeth properly, any tips will be welcome.
    Use flouride toothpaste along with restore after treatment

    Thanks again for all the wonderful information.
    Sam

    Flossing
    Hi Sam,

    I prefer the Oral B only because the brush heads pop off after use. And the replacements I buy on Ebay for a lot less money than the store. Just be sure it's a soft one, but you've heard that already.

    Flossing is the most important factor in keeping your teeth. If your dental hygienist hasn't shown you the best way to do it then I'll tell ya. Use almost three feet wrapped around your dominate middle finger. You want a fresh part for every tooth or you're spreading the tartar. Use the first finger to work the floss back and forth on the gum line. You are trying to dislodge the tartar as best as possible. It takes some getting used to but after awhile you'll be able to floss your teeth properly in under two minutes. Don't floss too hard or it'll dig into your root. Go lightly, including the back teeth.

    Today I went to the dentist for a regular check up. My doctor told me to go every three months but my teeth are so good that I changed it to every four. My dentist told me I had almost no plaque at all. She said she never sees patients who floss everyday. Well I've been one of them for 22 years now. In all that time I've only missed flossing about 4 times. Two of those were in the hospital where I couldn't open my mouth after the neck dissection. The other two I just plain forgot and went to bed. My gums haven't bled in 21 years, even when they clean them.

    Obviously, I am a big advocate of flossing only because it saved my teeth. It was nice to prove the Periodontist wrong and also save $5 grand. Plus I didn't need to have any pulled for radiation. That was really nice.

    And one more thing. I have always had very sensitive teeth because of my gums pulling up and getting healthy. After using the fluoride trays they are no longer hot/cold sensitive. That makes me very happy after all the bad stuff I had done.

    Tommy
  • Tim6003
    Tim6003 Member Posts: 1,514 Member
    #19
    tommyodavey said:

    Flossing
    Hi Sam,

    I prefer the Oral B only because the brush heads pop off after use. And the replacements I buy on Ebay for a lot less money than the store. Just be sure it's a soft one, but you've heard that already.

    Flossing is the most important factor in keeping your teeth. If your dental hygienist hasn't shown you the best way to do it then I'll tell ya. Use almost three feet wrapped around your dominate middle finger. You want a fresh part for every tooth or you're spreading the tartar. Use the first finger to work the floss back and forth on the gum line. You are trying to dislodge the tartar as best as possible. It takes some getting used to but after awhile you'll be able to floss your teeth properly in under two minutes. Don't floss too hard or it'll dig into your root. Go lightly, including the back teeth.

    Today I went to the dentist for a regular check up. My doctor told me to go every three months but my teeth are so good that I changed it to every four. My dentist told me I had almost no plaque at all. She said she never sees patients who floss everyday. Well I've been one of them for 22 years now. In all that time I've only missed flossing about 4 times. Two of those were in the hospital where I couldn't open my mouth after the neck dissection. The other two I just plain forgot and went to bed. My gums haven't bled in 21 years, even when they clean them.

    Obviously, I am a big advocate of flossing only because it saved my teeth. It was nice to prove the Periodontist wrong and also save $5 grand. Plus I didn't need to have any pulled for radiation. That was really nice.

    And one more thing. I have always had very sensitive teeth because of my gums pulling up and getting healthy. After using the fluoride trays they are no longer hot/cold sensitive. That makes me very happy after all the bad stuff I had done.

    Tommy

    Tommy..
    Where can a person get this flouride trays you speak of ??? Over the counter or do we have to get them from the dentisit?


    Thanks,

    Tim
  • TheOtherDitto
    TheOtherDitto Member Posts: 58
    #20
    Tim6003 said:

    Tommy..
    Where can a person get this flouride trays you speak of ??? Over the counter or do we have to get them from the dentisit?


    Thanks,

    Tim

    Tim
    Doug had flouride trays made by his dentist before he started treatment.
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #21
    Hi Sam
    There are a lot of different types of toothbrushes out on the market; I went through quite a few of them before finding the right one for me. Now I use the Oral B Sonic Toothbrush and find for me it works great to clean not only me teeth but also my gums. I also use the SF-5000 Plus toothpaste being I can’t use the fluoride tray. Hope you find what one will work best for you my friend.

    Hondo

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