Home dental care plays an extremely important role when it comes to the health of your mouth and body. A healthy smile is maintained by having a consistent, quality dental hygiene routine at home, as well as visiting the dentist regularly. A healthy diet and good dental habits can help prevent various dental diseases and other health issues. Although brushing is listed below before flossing, it is recommended to floss before you brush.
Brushing Your Teeth
Always brush your teeth properly and consistently, meaning twice per day with proper techniques, tools and supplies. If you are using an ADA approved toothbrush, toothpaste and floss, you are on the right track. Now, you need the proper technique:
- Make sure the flat part of the brush is facing the gums and teeth at a 45 degree angle. This way, the bristles are cleaning the gum line, which is the place that plaque likes to accumulate. Make sure to use a circular motion as you are brushing, so you get the upper areas of the teeth as well.
- Be sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth; the front side that faces your cheeks, the chewing surfaces, and the side that faces your tongue. Find ways to brush even the toughest areas; which are usually in the back, near the throat, and even the front two teeth, top and bottom (use the tip of the brush for this area).
- Brush your tongue, gums and even your cheeks to make sure everything is clean and fresh!
Ultrasonic, electronic toothbrushes are great at breaking up plaque and effectively removing it. Be sure not to press too hard. Use the right pressure and the toothbrush will do most of the work.
Flossing Your Teeth
A daily flossing routine, accompanied with brushing, is extremely helpful in the fight against Periodontal Disease and other dental and health issues. Flossing helps you avoid bacteria from infecting your gums and creating harmful pockets that are difficult to remove.
- You may use a floss holder for this, or using a roll of floss. First, get enough floss that you can wrap it around each of your middle or forefingers, leaving enough floss between the two that you have room to get between all of your teeth.
- Slide the floss between your teeth. Occasionally, you may need to move the floss back and forth in the direction of the gap between your teeth.
- With the floss in between your teeth, wrap the floss around one tooth at a time, moving the floss from the gums to the top of the tooth, ensuring the floss is getting below the gum line to remove any plaque that has accumulated there. Be gentle, you want to be thorough, but you don't want to damage your gums or teeth in the process.
Once all is complete, rinse your mouth thoroughly. The process of brushing, flossing and rinsing should be done after each meal. Be sure to consult with your dentist concerning frequency of brushing and flossing if you do so more than two or three times per day. Too much can be harmful.
Please contact us with any questions at 281-492-6064.
