t’s no secret that regular brushing and flossing is crucial to maintain a healthy smile. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush twice per day, and floss at least daily to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
While we generally learn how to take care of our teeth as children, that knowledge can be forgotten as time goes by, or maybe you never really learned how to brush and floss properly.
Even if you’re confident in your oral care skills, it can be beneficial to review your techniques once in a while. Today, let’s take a look at some advice from our team of general and cosmetic dentistry experts here at Lee Dental in Frisco, Texas, about brushing and flossing.
To effectively remove food, plaque, and cavity-causing bacteria, the ADA recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes at a time, twice daily. There’s more to it than that, however. Here are some tips to level up your at-home oral care game:
During your daily brushing sessions, angle your toothbrush at about 45° from your gum line. Avoid scrubbing your teeth, use gentle, back-and-forth motions to clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Brushing too hard puts you at risk of damaging enamel and gums.
Each time you brush, aim for a full two minutes. Set a timer on your phone if necessary, or put on a short song in the background. Try to divide the time equally between each section of your teeth, and don’t forget to brush your tongue. Many electric toothbrushes incorporate built-in timers to track brushing duration for you.
While your brushing technique is more important than the kind of brush you use, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing a toothbrush. Opt for one with soft bristles and a size and shape that allows you to reach all the surfaces of your teeth.
Over time your toothbrush wears out and becomes less effective at cleaning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should replace yours every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles begin to look worn or frayed.
The goal of daily flossing is to clean between your teeth, where the bristles of your toothbrush are less effective. Without flossing, food particles and bacteria accumulate in the gum line and the spaces between teeth.
When flossing, guide the floss into place, curving it into a C-shape as it reaches your gums. Gently slide the floss into the space between your teeth and gums, and clean out any plaque or particles with an up-and-down motion.
If you don’t floss often, you may notice some bleeding after a thorough flossing session. This is normal. However, it shows that your gums aren’t as healthy as they could be, a sign that the early (but reversible) stages of gum disease are upon you. Remember to floss daily and schedule regular preventative dentistry exams to keep gum disease at bay.
Although brushing and flossing is the backbone of your oral care routine, twice-yearly dental cleanings allow us to remove plaque and tartar that builds up where neither toothbrush nor floss can reach. No matter how well you brush and floss, these enemies of oral will still build up slowly.
Dental cleanings work alongside your home care techniques to make a successful mouth care routine. We’re also able to spot potential dental issues before they become a larger concern.
If you’re due for a cleaning, or have questions about how to take proper care of your smile, the team at Lee Dental is here for you. Call or click to make an appointment at our practice in Frisco, Texas, today.
