Best Tips For Effective Brushing And Flossing

Brushing and flossing are two important oral hygiene habits that every person must practice. Brushing and flossing help in preventing dental decay and gum disease. If you do not brush and floss regularly, then it can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. To ensure effective brushing and flossing, here are a few tips.

Why Are Brushing And Flossing Important?

Most people know that brushing and flossing are important, but they may not know why it’s so vital. The ADA says that both brushing and flossing help to remove food particles from your teeth, which decreases your risk of tooth decay. Regular, everyday cleaning helps to prevent plaque buildup that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and other periodontal diseases.

Proper oral hygiene also prevents bad breath. However, if bacteria are allowed to build up in your mouth, it can cause unpleasant odors to come off of your teeth and gums. It is important to remove this bacteria before it has a chance to cause any issues or discomfort for you.

Tips For Effective Brushing And Flossing

• Choose The Right Toothpaste

Choosing a toothpaste that is good for your oral health is important because it will effectively remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth. However, not all brands of toothpaste contain fluoride, which is an ingredient that is essential for preventing tooth decay and cavities. When choosing a toothpaste, whether online or at a store, be sure to look for ADA approval on the package or in the description to ensure that it contains fluoride.

If your toothpaste doesn’t contain fluoride, you can always ask your denturist for a recommendation for a toothpaste that does. Your denturist is familiar with the most effective dental care products and brands on the market based on his or her experience treating patients.

• Choosing The Right Toothbrush

Whether you’re brushing or flossing, it’s important to choose the appropriate toothbrush. A soft-bristled toothbrush is the best option for most people. Some patients do benefit from an electric toothbrush, which can be a great solution for patients with limited manual dexterity. However, most patients are able to brush their teeth effectively with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

When choosing your toothbrush size, remember that a small head is easier to maneuver around your mouth. This is particularly important if you have arthritis or another condition that causes you to have difficulties with fine motor movements. Also, be sure to choose a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your hand. If your toothbrush is too large to hold comfortably, try purchasing a smaller-sized one. Remember to replace your old toothbrush every three to four months or as soon as the bristles become frayed.

• Follow Proper Technique

The number one rule to remember when brushing your teeth is to angle the bristles at a 45-degree angle against the gum line. Using too much force and pressing too hard can aggravate your gums and wear away the enamel on your teeth. It is also important that you hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle when you brush the inside surfaces of your teeth as well.

• Brush Twice A Day

It is also very important that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time you brush. If you only spend a few seconds brushing, then you may not be reaching all the crevices between your teeth where plaque and food debris may be lurking. If it is difficult to keep track of the time you are brushing, try setting a timer on your phone to help ensure that you give the recommended amount of time for each quadrant of the mouth.

• Floss Daily

The best way to floss your teeth is to start by wrapping the floss around one finger on each hand and then gently slide it up and down between each tooth. It is important to reach below the gum line to remove as much of the bacteria as possible. Gently move the floss in a swirling motion to clean each tooth. Try to avoid snapping the floss into the gums, as this can cause trauma to the gum tissues.

Once you’ve finished flossing all teeth, rinse out your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any remaining particles of food and debris. Repeat these steps daily to keep your mouth clean and healthy!

Helpful Reminders

Remember to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. Also, make sure to visit your denturist for regular checkups and cleanings every six months! These appointments are so important because they allow one of our denturists to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums while also checking for any signs of decay or disease. If any is found, it can be treated as soon as possible before it gets worse and causes more problems.

To learn more about good oral care, contact Summit Denture Clinic at 130 - 2881 Garden Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4X1, or call (604) 776-2881