Rule of 4

Fixing most issues with gums means keeping them clean

If you suspect you have an issue with your gums, or even if you think it’s an issue with your tooth, getting them very clean will either fix the issue, or make the issue much easier to identify

We have developed a rule-of-4 protocol for fixing most gum issues. We often give out a monojet syringe at our office for at-home irrigation, but a waterpik is preferable.

If some calculus buildup is happening on the root surface, a routine or deep cleaning is needed to get the gums healthy again, but the rule of 4 will still make the cleaning easier

The Rule of 4

• Brush 4 times per day

• Floss 4 times per day

• Irrigate 4 times per day

• Do each of these things for 4 days

This article was written by Dr. Alex Chaney and is used in our everyday practice when advising patients. While nothing can replace an examination in our office, this can only help improve things and make the actual problem easier to discern