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HOW TO BRUSH AND FLOSS YOUR TEETH
PROPER BRUSHING AND FLOSSING TECHNIQUE
Oral hygiene is an important part of maintaining good dental health and brushing and flossing your teeth properly is crucial to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Regular dental exams with an experienced dentist or dental specialist can also help you maintain optimal oral health, but it all starts with your at-home, daily brushing and flossing routine. By following the tips outlined below and regularly visiting your dentist for dental exams, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent dental problems. Book an appointment at Woodbourne Dental to receive comprehensive dental treatment, professional teeth cleaning, and improve your oral hygiene. Our experienced dental specialists will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you achieve optimal oral health.
HOW TO ENSURE THAT YOU ARE PROPERLY BRUSHING AND FLOSSING YOUR TEETH
Choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste
The first step in proper oral hygiene is selecting the right tools. You should choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, as hard bristles can damage your gums. An electronic toothbrush can also be a good option as it can remove more plaque than a manual toothbrush. When it comes to toothpaste, look for one that contains fluoride to help protect your teeth from decay. If you have any specific oral health needs, such as sensitive teeth or gum disease, your dentist can recommend a toothpaste that is right for you.
Brush your teeth with proper brushing technique
Brushing your teeth twice a day is the best way to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay. While brushing your teeth, hold your toothbrush against your teeth at a 45-degree angle. Use gentle circular motions while brushing. Make sure to cover all the surfaces of your teeth, including the fronts, backs, and tops. It is recommended to brush for two minutes each time, and don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove any bacteria.
Floss your teeth regularly
Flossing is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene because it removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. To floss properly, use about 18 inches of floss and wrap the ends around your middle fingers. Use your thumbs and index fingers to guide the floss between your teeth, gently moving it up and down. Don’t forget to floss behind your back teeth as well.
THE BENEFITS OF FLOSSING
A simple and effective way to improve your oral health is flossing. In addition to removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth, flossing can help prevent gum disease and bad breath. Regular flossing can also help prevent tooth decay by removing plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
WHAT IF MY GUMS BLEED WHEN I FLOSS?
If your gums start bleeding while brushing or flossing, it could be a sign of gum disease. However, it could also be caused by using too much force or flossing too aggressively. If the bleeding persists, it's important to schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine the cause. Your dentist can recommend a dental treatment plan to help improve your oral health and prevent further gum problems.