Tips and Guidelines for Brushing and Flossing Properly
Brushing and flossing are two of the most important things that you can do to protect your smile. Whether you want a dazzling grin for yourself or one that will impress others, proper brushing and flossing is necessary in order to avoid tooth decay, plaque buildup, gum disease, bad breath (halitosis), and other dental issues. The dental health benefits are many and this post we’ll cover some tips on how to get your teeth clean so they sparkle!
Brushing Tips:
* Make sure that you brush at least twice a day, morning and night. If possible, try to find time for a third brushing session in the middle of your day so that plaque doesn’t have enough time to build up on your teeth again.
* Always remember to use an ADA-approved toothpaste with fluoride when brushing. Fluoride has been shown to help protect your teeth from decay by strengthening enamel and preventing cavities from forming due to bacteria found in saliva or food particles trapped between the gaps of teeth (known as interproximal spaces).
* When using an electric toothbrush, make sure it’s turned off before applying any pressure! An electric toothbrush is designed specifically for cleaning surfaces while avoiding excess scrubbing of sensitive gum tissue.
* If you have braces, be extra careful when brushing your teeth to avoid injuring the inside or outside surfaces of your mouth! You can brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing string (floss threaders). When choosing which type of floss to use for braces, POH dental tape is recommended because it’s thin enough that it won’t break under pressure applied while cleaning around brackets. Floss holders are also an ADA accepted method for flossing in order to clean beneath wires.
* Always remember not to skip out on either step—gently scrub both the tops and sides/bottoms of all teeth during each session! Don’t chewing surfaces where food particles tend to collect.
