How to Properly Brush & Floss
Brushing teeth each day and regularly flossing are two important ways of maintaining proper oral hygiene. Although it’s usually recommended that you undergo dental checkups once every 6 months, brushing and flossing regularly can reduce the amount of plaque that builds up on teeth and gums over the six-month period. It will also reduce chances of development of cavities and other serious conditions that affect the oral cavity.
Why it’s recommended to brush and floss teeth regularly
The mouth is susceptible to a number of problems many of which can be prevented through regular brushing with the right toothpaste and flossing. Some of the conditions that proper oral hygiene can help prevent include the following.
Tooth loss is one of the most common conditions that affect the oral cavity. Non-accidental tooth loss can result from a number of reasons many of which can be easily prevented through proper oral hygiene. Some of the causes of tooth loss include the following:
- Cavities which result from the development of acids which are the byproduct of plaque and bacteria found inside the mouth. Regular brushing neutralizes these acids therefore keeping teeth cavity free.
- Periodontal disease is a serious condition that affects the teeth and gums. This condition is progressive and it eats away at the tooth, gum and jawbone leading to tooth loss. It’s main cause is the accumulation of plaque on the surface of teeth and gums.
This condition is also known as halitosis. Bad breath is caused by the accumulation of food particles and bacteria within the oral cavity. Bacteria feed on the food deposits. Bad breath results from the excrement produced by the bacteria inside the mouth. However, bad breath can also be caused by an underlying condition. Brushing helps to remove the odor from the mouth.
Regular brushing and flossing is usually recommended as a teeth whitening home remedy. Majority of teeth stains are caused by food and drinks you take. Brushing with the right toothpaste and flossing removes the stains left on the tooth surface.
How to brush teeth
It’s recommended that you brush at least twice per day and preferably after meals. The toothbrush you use will greatly affect the results you get. The best toothbrushes have a small head with soft round bristles. The bristles should easily reach different parts of the mouth including the spaces between teeth. Electric toothbrushes are considered to be more effective compared to manual types. The ADA approves and recommends electric toothbrushes with oscillating heads.
How to Properly Brush Your Teeth Step-by-Step
- After applying toothpaste on the toothbrush, start with outer teeth surfaces.
- Always hold the toothbrush head at a 45-degree angle to the tooth surface and brush in circular motions for outer and inner tooth surfaces.
- Use forward-backward motion when brushing chewing surfaces of molars and premolars.
- Gently brush inner cheek, roof of mouth and tongue to remove any debris.
- Flush out any toothpaste with clean water when finished.
How to floss teeth
Flossing will remove any plaque and stains that occur between teeth and toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Daily flossing has a number of benefits among which are prevention of periodontal disease. Any floss is great as long as it’s comfortable to use.
How to Properly Floss Teeth
- Cut a 15 to 18-inch-long piece of dental floss
- Tie both ends of the floss to either index finger until you have about 3 to 4-inch floss left to work with.
- Working on each interdental surface of each tooth, move the floss up and down the tooth surface. Be careful not to move too fast or too close to the gum.
- Repeat these steps foreach tooth’s surface.
If you have any further questions about properly maintaining oral health, contact us today!