Dr. Frank Vascimini, Sound Bites, 02/12/13

Q: In yesterday’s (Feb. 5) article, you mentioned that you use a standard toothbrush in the morning and a Sonicare toothbrush in the evening.

My husband and I have used Sonicare toothbrushes for years (in fact, we’re each on our second one); however, we use this product both in the morning and at night.

Could you please explain why you choose to use both types of toothbrushes on a regular basis?

Thanks!

A: This is a great question. What it really comes down to is tailoring a homecare regimen to each patient specifically. In this case, I am the patient and here is my reasoning.

Like many people, I seem to have more time in the evening than in the morning to take care of my oral hygiene. Since this is the case and it is best to do your most thorough hygiene in the evening right before bed, I floss and brush with the Sonicare toothbrush at night.

Incidentally, I do use the quadpacer that is incorporated in the brush. The quadpacer encourages 30 seconds be spent in each quadrant of the mouth, since it alerts you when each of the first three periods are complete and then turns off when the last, or forth, quadrant is done.

I think this is a great tool for any age patient, because two minutes is a long time when doing something like brushing.

I also happen to use prescription strength fluoride toothpaste with the Sonicare for two reasons. The prescription strength toothpaste has a significant ability to harden the tooth structure and decrease sensitivity. It also has no foaming agents that would cause me to gag. This is a super plus for me.

There you have it. The nighttime should be the most thorough session: the Sonicare is a great brush to achieve an extremely clean mouth, the toothpaste I use has no foaming action ... no gagging! Flossing happens at night for the cleanest mouth to go to bed with, and it is all done when I have the extra time, at night.

The morning regimen is simple. I brush to get the coating off of the teeth that can happen at night and for fresh breath. I use a toothpaste I like the flavor of in the morning since I put the fluoride on at night. As you remember from last week, I use an ultra-soft brush. In my opinion, this is the only brush to use. Anything stiffer can cause recession of the gums that I would prefer to not deal with.

Please know this is the regimen that works best for me.

My hygienists and I truly do recommend what we feel is the best for each patient, individually. It really can differ for each patient in a day. There are many rinses, toothpastes, medications and tools that can be of help to patients.

I prefer to take the time to give each patient the least amount of work to get the best outcome. I have found through the years that keeping things simple is best.

If too many things are recommended there is a higher likelihood that the patient will end up omitting one or two of them. If this were to happen it would hamper the goal of a thorough home care regimen.

I hope this has answered your question.

Dr. Frank Vascimini is a dentist practicing in Homosassa. Send your questions to 4805 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446 or email them to him at info@MasterpieceDentalStudio.com.