Brushing And Flossing - Right Technique And Tips

Brushing and flossing are essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth, protecting them from decay. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If plaque is not removed on a regular basis, it will eventually harden into calculus or tartar.

Why Should I Brush And Floss?

Plaque is the leading cause of tooth decay and cavities. Bacteria in the mouth feed off the sugar in food and turn it into harmful acid that eats away at tooth enamel. Plaque is sticky, so the longer it sits on the teeth, the more damage it can cause. That’s why it’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a quality toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Patients who floss regularly are less likely to have plaque buildup between their teeth. Flossing is also important because it can reach areas of the mouth that a toothbrush can’t. If patients don’t floss regularly, they’re likely to end up with gum disease or inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis. Regular dental checkups are also crucial because your dentist can monitor your oral health and find early signs of decay or other problems.

By brushing your teeth with a gentle touch and flossing regularly, you can prevent plaque from doing serious damage to your smile. 

Brushing - Tips

Brush your teeth for two minutes at a time. Remember to brush along the gum line and the surface of your tongue as well. Choose a soft-handled toothbrush that is designed to reach all areas of the mouth easily and remove plaque and food particles effectively. Hard or medium-bristled toothbrushes can leave areas of the mouth unclean and can cause damage to your gums if you brush too aggressively.

Consider using an electric rotary toothbrush if you have difficulty using a manual toothbrush. These brushes are easy to use and don’t require you to use much force when brushing the teeth or the gums. An electric toothbrush also tends to be more comfortable to hold during the cleaning process.

Most people tend to skip out on brushing their teeth at night. However, this is a big mistake because bacteria that cause tooth decay and cavities can build up in the mouth overnight if you aren’t careful. Make sure to brush your teeth before bed.

Your toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months to maintain good dental health and fresh breath. If you use an electric toothbrush, replace the brush heads at least every three months. When you brush, the bristles on the brush wear out and lose their effectiveness; they will be less effective at cleaning your teeth and could even damage your gums as well.

When shopping for a new toothbrush, look for one that has the ADA seal of approval on the packaging. That way, you can be sure that the toothbrush has been tested and proven effective for your oral health.

Flossing - Tips

Begin by brushing your teeth, preferably with fluoride toothpaste. This will help to loosen any food particles and plaque that may be stuck on your teeth. We recommend flossing at least once a day, but twice is even better! Use about a foot and a half of string floss to wrap around each middle finger of each hand. Use your thumbs to grab onto a small section of floss in between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently slide the floss between two teeth in a C-shape motion. Move the floss up and down along the tooth’s surface for a clean section. Repeat this process between every set of teeth until you’ve removed all visible debris from between all your teeth. Don’t forget about the backside of the rear molars! These areas can be hard to reach; you can place your floss along your tooth’s edge and gently rub back and forth to remove stuck food particles. The result will be a cleaner smile!

Our dental practice is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care for patients. For the best dental treatments in Chicago, IL, contact Tilden Dental Group. You can find us at 331 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611, or call (312) 664-6616.