Since October is National Dental Hygiene month; I would like to say that even the finest cosmetic dentistry can fail if good oral hygiene is not maintained.  Of course brushing and flossing are the one-two combination for most patients.  However: Many or our patients need a customized regimen of dental hygiene; depending on the type of restorations that are in their mouth; and their periodontal condition. 

If a patient exhibits periodontal disease; that must be addressed prior to any cosmetic dental treatment.  In my office we have a soft tissue management program that is quite comprehensive and successful in non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease.

The standard porcelain veneer or porcelain crown restoration is most often maintained by simple brushing and flossing as mentioned above; along with a recall visit for cleaning (prophylaxis) every 3 to 6 months.  When patients have bridges and dental implants; there are additional periodontal aids that are suggested to more thoroughly address their needs. 

A really nice product has just been introduced by ‘GUM’ called the “Soft-Pick”.  It is a very small brush that fits quite nicely between most teeth and cleans in this very important region; often better than dental floss.  I highly recommend this product!

 I need to mention that good dental hygiene starts VERY early on: as I have 2 twin boys at home that are 23 months old.  Interestingly enough, one of them loves to brush his teeth, he uses my electric toothbrush and often times I have to pull him out of the bathroom or he will spend what seems like an eternity brushing!  He is a total clean freak.  The other boy, however; hates to brush and I still have to almost do it for him.  I believe these habits should be instilled from this early age.

So, not only is good oral hygiene necessary to maintain cosmetic dentistry; it should be established before any cosmetic dentistry is carried out!  If I have a new patient that is anxious to have cosmetic dental treatment; but has terrible oral hygiene;  I feel it is very important to establish good oral hygiene by this patient prior to initiating any cosmetic dental treatment.