Susan Henson DMD, PA - Burnet Dentistry
Proper Brushing & Flossing
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Proper Brushing & Flossing
Brushing and flossing play a vital role in maintaining excellent oral hygiene. While bi-annual professional dental cleanings effectively remove plaque, tartar, and debris, you should also prioritize consistent home care. In fact, by brushing and flossing properly each day, you can boost your oral health, brighten your smile, and actively prevent serious dental issues.
Reasons why proper brushing & flossing are essential:
Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, and its treatment often requires complex dental procedures. Tooth decay occurs when the acids found in plaque erode the natural enamel found on the teeth. This phenomenon can easily be prevented by using proper home hygiene methods.
Periodontal disease is a serious, progressive condition which can cause tooth loss, gum recession and jawbone recession. Periodontal disease is caused by the toxins found in plaque, and can lead to serious health problems in other parts of the body. Removing plaque and calculus (tartar) from the surface of the tooth using a toothbrush, and from the interdental areas using dental floss, is an excellent way to stave off periodontal problems.
Bad breath or halitosis is usually caused by old food particles on or between the teeth. These food particles can be removed with regular brushing and flossing; leaving the mouth healthier, and breath smelling fresher.
Staining or the yellowing of teeth can be caused by a wide variety of factors such as smoking, coffee and tea. The more regularly these staining agents are removed from the teeth using brushing and flossing techniques, the less likely it is that the stains will become permanent.
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The Proper Way to Brush
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day—ideally in the morning and before bed. Additionally, choosing the right toothbrush is important for maintaining good oral health. A perfect toothbrush is small in size, has soft, rounded-end bristles, and is less than three months old. Furthermore, the brush head should be small enough to reach all areas of the mouth, while the bristles must be soft to avoid damaging your gum tissue. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), electric toothbrushes—especially those with rotating or oscillating heads—clean more effectively than other types.
Here is a basic guide to proper brushing:
- Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the gums and teeth meet.
- Use small circular motions to gently brush the gum line and teeth.
- Do not scrub or apply too much pressure to the teeth, as this can damage the gums and tooth enamel.
- Brush every surface of every tooth, cheek-side, tongue-side, and chewing surfaces. Place special emphasis on the surfaces of the back teeth.
- Use back and forth strokes to brush the chewing surfaces.
- Brush the tongue to remove fungi, food and debris.
Flossing is a great way to actively remove plaque from the interdental regions between the teeth. In fact, it plays a crucial role in preventing periodontal disease and reducing the depth of gum pockets. Since toothbrushes often can’t reach these tight spaces, it’s essential to clean them daily with dental floss. Additionally, while the flavor or type of floss doesn’t matter much, it’s important to choose one that feels easy and pleasant to use.
Here is a basic guide to proper flossing:
- Cut a piece of floss to around 18 inches long.
- Wrap one end of the floss around the middle finger of the left hand and the other end around the middle finger of the right hand until the hands are 2-3 inches apart.
- Work the floss gently between the teeth toward the gum line.
- Curve the floss in a U-shape around each individual tooth and carefully slide it beneath the gum line.
- Carefully move the floss up and down several times to remove interdental plaque and debris.
- Do not pop the floss in and out between the teeth as this will inflame and cut the gums.
If you have any questions about the correct way to brush or floss, please ask your dentist or dental hygienist.
