Oral Hygiene in Prairie Village, KS
Why is oral hygiene so important?
Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is with good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.
Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.
How to Brush
If you have any pain while brushing or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to call the office at Mark J. Gordon, DDS Office Phone Number (913) 649-4042.
Manuel Toothbrush
Dr. Gordon recommends using a soft bristled tooth brush. Position the brush at a 45 degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort.
When you have finished cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don’t forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue.
Next you will clean the biting surfaces of your teeth by using short, gentle strokes. Change the position of the brush as often as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. Try to watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you clean each surface. After you are done, rinse vigorously to remove any plaque you might have loosened while brushing.
Electric / Battery Tooth Brushes
There are numerous styles and manufacturers of these types of brushes. As an introductory toward this type of toothbrush, the battery style brush seems to do a satisfactory job at plaque removal. However, the chargeable style has more technology behind the construction and produces the most effective results in plaque removal and achieving healthy gum tissues. There are several chargeable models of brushes that are very popular and all appear to achieve excellent results. The technique for brushing is different then manual as the patient relies on the rotary action of the toothbrush for plaque removal.
Creating Great Smiles & Changing Lives!
Call us with any questions or to book your consultation online.How to Floss
Periodontal disease and decay issues usually appear between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice.
Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about 18 long. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand.
To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss to the gum line then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth. Remember there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space. Continue to floss each side of all the upper teeth. Be careful not to cut the gum tissue between the teeth. As the floss becomes soiled, turn from one finger to the other to get a fresh section.
To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of both hands. Do not forget the back side of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower.
When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while flossing you could be doing it too hard or pinching the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.
Caring for Sensitive Teeth
Sometimes after dental treatment, teeth are sensitive to hot and cold. This should not last long, but only if the mouth is kept clean. If the mouth is not kept clean the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. If your teeth are especially sensitive consult with your doctor. They may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse made especially for sensitive teeth.
Choosing Oral Hygiene Products
There are so many products on the market it can become confusing and choosing between all the products can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for choosing dental care products that will work for most patients.
Automatic and high-tech electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of the patients. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque. Our office recommends the Hydrofloss. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator. We see excellent results with electric toothbrushes called Rotadent, Braun Oral-Band Sonicare.
Depending on the health of the gum tissue we recommend other adjunctive plaque control aids such as a rubber tip stimulator and perio aid (a handle for the use of toothpicks) for removal of plaque at the gumline. There are also tiny brushes (interproximal/proxa brushes) that clean between your teeth as long as there is adequate space to insert the brush. Consistency and daily use of these products will help maintain healthy gum tissue.
Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses, when used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, can reduce tooth decay as much as 40%. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age. Higher concentrated prescription strength fluoride toothpaste are often prescribe for patients with higher decay rates and/or those patients who have had extensive restorative dental treatment. Tartar control toothpastes will reduce tartar above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the gumline so these products have not been proven to reduce the early stage of gum disease.
ProfessionalDENTAL CLEANINGS IN OVERLAND PARK
Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental plaque and calculus to a minimum, but a professional cleaning will remove calculus in places your toothbrush and floss have missed. Your visit to our office is a very important part of your program to prevent gum disease. Our office suggests recall intervals at a minimum of every six months unless there are situations that warrant more frequent monitoring.
A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment preformed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums by a licensed dental professional. Dental prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
A dental prophylaxis is an effective procedure in keeping the oral cavity in proper health and helping control the progression of gum disease.
The benefits of professional teeth cleaning include:
- Plaque removal: Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below
the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria, and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to identify potentially damaging buildup. - A healthier looking smile: Stained and yellow teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
- Fresher breath: Bad breath (or halitosis) can be indicative of advancing periodontal disease. Food particles trapped below the gum line may contribute to bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria at our office can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection
- Monitoring periodontal disease: It is beneficial to check the gums support periodically to identify potential areas of concern such as localized inflammation. These areas might need additional instrumentation to control the progression of gum disease and stabilized it allowing the patient to continue home care technique more easily.
Professional dental cleaning is a treatment service that our office provides. We recommend that prophylaxis be performed every six months as a preventive measure. However, some patients may need to be seen on a more frequent interval schedule. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but teeth cleaning is one procedure that Dr. Gordon’s office can use to effectively control its progression.
Mark J. Gordon, DDS
Patient Review from Tom R
Dr. Gordon and his staff are very professional and friendly while providing great advice for maintaining my dental health. Linda has been thorough, professional and gentile during my periodic cleaning/exam appointments.
- Tom R
Patient Review from Kyle W
Great experience!
- Kyle W
Patient Review from Ally P
Love Dr Gordon and all the staff!
- Ally P
Patient Review from Dennis B
Very friendly office atmosphere. Excellent care provided by Dr. Gordon and hygienist (Linda)
- Dennis B
Patient Review from Dayna T
I always have a great experience with Dr. Gordon and his team!
- Dayna T
Patient Review from Nick A
Outstanding dentist and staff.
- Nick A
Patient Review from Jerry B
I highly recommend this dentist
- Jerry B
Patient Review from Nancy C
Always a good experience!
- Nancy C
Patient Review from Hannah H
Great office and staff
- Hannah H
Patient Review from Bonnie S
Very pleased with everything in this ofrice. Patient many years and still continue
- Bonnie S
Patient Review from Eric J
Great service as usual!
- Eric J
Patient Review from Carrie K
I've been coming to this dentist office for years and they have always been amazing.
- Carrie K
Patient Review from Frances F
Dot, Melinda and Dr. Gordon are all fabulous. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my teeth.
- Frances F
Patient Review from Glenda G
Have been receiving dental services for a number of years and am a very satisfied customer. Staff are friendly and helpful.
- Glenda G
Patient Review from Mary W
Great experience
- Mary W
Patient Review from John L
Welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff.
- John L
Patient Review from Sue B
Life is better with a dental office you can trust.
- Sue B
Patient Review from Robin M
My spouse and I are very fortunate to have you all as our dental care provider. You make dentistry a real art and science, and a very affordable luxury at every level of service.
- Robin M
Patient Review from Adriana R
Great
- Adriana R
Patient Review from steven m
First rate dental services. My restoration procedures have gone down since I have been going to Dr. Gordon and staff.
- steven m
Patient Review from Tracy M
I have been a patient of Dr. Gordon's for a number of years. He is an excellent dentist. He is thorough and takes the time to explain every procedure. I love all of the staff members in the office. They are friendly and professional. I never have had to wait past my appointment time. I highly recommend this practice!
- Tracy M
Patient Review from Brad L
Highly recommend Dr. Gordon and his office staff to anyone with dental needs or simply dental maintenance. o
- Brad L
Patient Review from Susan B
Great visit
- Susan B
Patient Review from Eunice S
Everyone here always helpful,professional and thorough.
- Eunice S
Patient Review from Morgan T
I get reminders about when I need to come in for cleanings which is very helpful. I'm in and out pretty quickly without waiting!
- Morgan T
Patient Review from Dan L
Best dentist and office
- Dan L
Patient Review from Carol S
Clean, competent, friendly office. Have gone for years. Good care.
- Carol S
Patient Review from Elaine N
Both my spouse and I have been patients of Dr. Mark Gordon and his staff of professionals ever since the retirement of our previous dentist...that was over nine years ago. Although it’s never easy changing health care professionals, in this case the switch went as smooth as silk. Dr. Gordon, caringly and without hesitation, took us under wing and helped to establish dental care tailored to best meet our needs. He was also quick to diagnose a potential issue with one of my husband’s teeth (more on that later). Dr. Gordon is easy to talk with, takes time to fully explain what’s in store and never makes us feel rushed. In addition to the wonderful care we receive from Dr. Gordon, we also find his staff to be top-notch as well. From the time we arrive are warmly greeted by receptionist, Dot, to the time we’re seated in an exam chair has set a new standard for “timeliness!” Needless to say, there could always be one of those pop-up emergencies; however, we have yet to wait! An added bonus to being under the care of Dr. Gordon is having the same dental hygienists, Linda, as we had with our previous dentist. She does an outstanding cleaning and like Dr. Gordon and others on his staff, we find that Linda has our very best interest in mind. We’re convinced that she’s a prime ingredient in why we both still have all of our natural teeth. Returning to the potential problem with one of my husband’s teeth mentioned earlier...this was a real “tooth saving event” brought about by Dr. Gordon. In a nutshell, their dedication to saving one of my spouse’s molars was beyond all expectations and we are so very grateful. Without Dr. Gordon’s early diagnoses, the tooth would certainly have been destined for the scrap heap. Thanks to the joint care of Dr. Gordon and an associate, Leawood Endodontics Dr. Robert H. Altomare, a costly and time-consuming implant was avoided. Under their attentive, skilled and professional care, the tooth and surrounding gum were completely restored to normal We highly recommend the office of Dr. Mark Gordon. He and his caring staff will treat both you and your “pearlys” with tender and professional care.
- Elaine N
Patient Review from Dennis B
Very friendly and competent
- Dennis B
Patient Review from Michael M
Excellent care by all
- Michael M
Patient Review from Joyce W
I have been going to Dr. Gordon for a number of years. I appreciate his attention to all the small things that make a great smile, from quality preventive measures to the correct measures to fix any problems. Having Linda Patterson as my hygienist keeps me from sitting in the Doctor's chair very often and for that I am greatly appreciative.
- Joyce W
Patient Review from Stephen F
My teeth are much cleaner than they were a few hrs ago!
- Stephen F
Patient Review from Eileen M
I've been going to Dr. Gordon for several years. He and his staff are professional, give great care, and pay attention to customer service as well. The hygienist, Linda, is careful to get your teeth clean without hurting you or spilling water all over your clothes! Dot, who runs the desk, is a ray of sunshine. And if you have an emergency, you can always get through to someone.
- Eileen M
Patient Review from Sarah P
Always recommend to my friends!
- Sarah P
Patient Review from Nancy D
Service is always done professional. The staff does their job with ease and make you comfortable. I have and will continue to recommend to my friends.
- Nancy D
Patient Review from Stacey P
Excellent care from start to finish!
- Stacey P
Patient Review from Linda S
Been coming here for years and years and these folks are professional but feel like family.
- Linda S
Patient Review from Frances M
I've been coming for years and have complete confidence in everything they do!
- Frances M
Patient Review from Traci M
I love this office!
- Traci M
Patient Review from Rebecca D
Wonderful visit-- everyone was friendly, professional, and timely. Responsive to all questions and requests. Always a pleasure to visit your office.
- Rebecca D
Patient Review from Debi T
Been a patient for 25 plus years. Love everyone.,
- Debi T
Patient Review from Rebecca E
Always a quick, thorough cleaning. They also accommodate my children when it is necessary to bring them along. We never dread the dentist!
- Rebecca E
Patient Review from Joy Z
Dr. Gordon and his staff are always thorough, skilled and friendly. I highly recommend this dental practice.
- Joy Z
Patient Review from Mary P
I always look forward to my visit the best office staff hygienist is the best I have ever had...Dr.Gordon is very professional kind and truly cares abut his patients .
- Mary P
Patient Review from Steve C
Been a patient for 25 years for a reason: Excellent care!
- Steve C
Patient Review from Tristan G
Very thorough and professional, thank you!
- Tristan G
Patient Review from Susan B
Great service and very pleasant and gentle
- Susan B
Patient Review from Loren S
The best all around practice. After years of anxiety, I now look forward to coming in for my cleanings.
- Loren S
Patient Review from Jean L
Great service. Attentive and always get in in a timely manner.
- Jean L
Patient Review from Taena R
I have been a patient of Dr Gordon for 30 years that should say something about how I feel about this practice.Everyone is very professional and very courteous.Dr Gordon is an amazing dentist and very compassionate about his patients.He always takes time with any concerns I may have and always willing to explain any procedures completely.
- Taena R