Page 190 - My FlipBook

186 OPERATIVE DENTISTRY

factory method of cleansing these spaces. The massage is also
most beneficial to the gums. It stimulates the circulation, retards
tissue waste and lessens the deposit of serumal calculus, and in ad-
dition forces away that AA'hich has been precipitated before it has
an opportunity to solidify.
Instructions to Patients as to the care of their teeth is an all-
important duty of the dentist, not only from the standpoint of
what is best for the patient, but much of the dentist's reputation
as an operator depends upon the subsequent care given the teeth
by the OAvner following the making of fillings, for upon their en-
vironment depends their permanency. Comparatively few indi-
viduals know how to properly care for the mouth and many will
insist to their dentist that they are most careful of their oral hab-
its when upon examination, the dentist finds surfaces which appear
never to have been cared for in the least. They have failed to
reach these surfaces Avith their brush.
The Technic of Proper Brushing should be thoroughly ex-
plained, Avith special reference to reaching the surface AA'hich they
seem to be neglecting. Instruct them as to the massage of the
gums Avith the finger tips, rubbing not only crossAvise but also
from root to croAvn, assuring them that if the gums bleed easily it
is all the more essential that they repeat the operation and that
finally they Avill regain their normal health and then they Avill not
bleed under the treatment advised.
The Use of Floss Silk for passing through the proximal spaces
to clean contacting surfaces by Aviping oft the embrasures and
reaching points inaccessible to the brush, should be demonstrated
to the patient.
Care should be taken not to snap the thre.ad past contact points
as it may lacerate the gums.
Toothpicks have no place in the care of the teeth and should be
prohibited by laAv, especially those of soft Avood so commonly
found on the market and at public eating houses. Their square
corners and slivered ends irritate the gums, causing their disease
iMid recession thereby destroying the natural protection to the
most vulnerable portions of the teeth.