Brushing and flossing are habits that everyone, including children, should develop from an early age. However, it’s easy to forget these habits when we’re busy with work or taking care of our families. Here are a few brushing and flossing tips from us:
Brushing
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for optimal oral health and reduce your risk of cavities. Here are a few tips to make brushing more effective.
- Your dentist recommends that you brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. This will remove food particles from between teeth and reduce the risk of cavities and decay.
- Did you know that the toothbrush you use is also critical? Make sure to use the right type of toothbrush for your specific oral health needs! Many people don’t realize that toothbrushes aren’t all the same – in fact, a lot of them are designed for specific types of teeth or dental issues. Talk to your dentist to find out which toothbrush is right for you.
- In addition to brushing, you should also rinse your mouth out with water. This helps to clear away any remaining bits of food and helps prevent bacteria buildup in your mouth. Not doing so can leave plaque behind on your teeth that can lead to tooth decay over time.
- The American Dental Association recommends that you change your toothbrush at least every three to four months, but ideally, you should change it before it gets worn down. If the bristles on your toothbrush become frayed and worn, it may no longer effectively remove plaque from your teeth. Additionally, bacteria can build up on the bristles, which then get pushed back into your mouth the next time you brush. Once this occurs, the buildup can lead to gum disease.
- In addition to choosing the right toothbrush for your needs, make sure you’re brushing correctly as well. Use short, gentle strokes to clean across all surfaces of the teeth and gum line, making sure to reach every hidden part of the mouth.
If you have any questions about how to brush your teeth or which toothbrush is best for you, ask your dental hygienist during your next visit.
Flossing
Nearly 25 percent of Americans don’t floss daily, which can have a negative impact on dental health. The American Dental Association advises that you floss at least once a day to prevent cavities and gum disease. Take these simple steps toward better oral health through flossing.
- Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind the ends around your middle fingers.
- Hold the floss firmly between your thumbs and forefingers and gently guide it between your teeth using a gentle sawing motion.
- Curve the floss around the base of each tooth and slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel resistance.
- Carefully move the floss up and down against each tooth surface and under the gums until the tooth is clean.
- Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid spreading bacteria.
- Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after flossing to remove any remaining particles from the mouth.
In addition to brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing every day, regular visits to the dentist are also important to your oral health. Schedule your next appointment with us today!
Please contact our Dublin, CA dental office today to learn more tips to protect your oral health. The dentist will help in creating a treatment plan which can meet your unique needs. Please contact us today online or by calling 925-833-9500.