Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 6/26/2006

Question
Hello:

I purchased a Sonicare toothbrush last year. My hygenist every six months keeps telling me I need to hold insturment lower against my teeth and gums than I apparently I am. However, I feel as though I'm holding it at the right angle (approx. 45 degrees) along the gumline and keeping it exclusively there and not straying away.

Is this a pressure issue (pushing down too hard) or do I just need to be pretty much just brushing my gums?

Last thing, the Sonicare product literature states to go in small circles when using the insturment while my hygenist tells me to simply guide the insturment slowly across the gumline. Which approach is more beneficial?

Thank you again for all your help.

Answer
Maybe the best thing to do is to bring it in and do it in front of the hygienist. There is no substitute for hands on instruction. The idea manner is to hold it at a 45 degree angle right at the gumline. Give it a slight jiggle then roll it down for the upper teeth and up for the lower teeth. Do this on the cheek side and the tongue side of all teeth. You do not need to brush on the gums directly. You need to get that sulcus or pocket area, which is right where the gum and tooth join together. I am not sure if these words will help you out. If they do, then great. If they do not, then go in to the hygienist with the brush and do it in front of her. Good luck,

Jeff Dalin, DDS