How you brush and floss your teeth are as vital to a good oral hygiene regimen as is choosing a quality product. The American Dental Association advises that your teeth be cleaned twice a day and to protect the gums, advises using a soft bristled toothbrush.
It is best to brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle to your gum line. To protect sensitive teeth, it is also best to brush your teeth one at a time using a circular brushing motion. Brush inside and outside of each tooth, and don’t forget the top surface where you chew your food.
While brushing cleans all the surface areas of your teeth, flossing is what cleans in between them, as your flosser is designed to reach food particles stuck in between the teeth and between the gum line and your teeth. Rub gently with your flosser, as you don’t want to force the floss harshly or snap it into your gums, potentially injuring the soft tissue. If the spaces between your teeth are tight, you may need a thinner string or one with a waxed coating.
As you floss, move the floss around your teeth in a C shape to gently rub it into the space between your gum line and the tooth. This is your chance to catch any errant food particles or unseen plaque from the gums. When flossing your molars you might want to repeat this motion to clean around the back and the front of the gum line.
Next, you will want to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to freshen you breath and remove food particles as well as eliminating bacteria. You may consider using a fluoride mouthwash if you want to leave a protective coating on your tooth enamel. Don’t be tempted to replace the flossing part of your routine by going straight to the rinsing part! Your toothbrush cannot reach those in between crevices, and your mouthwash can’t loosen them either.
This 1-2-3 step process will go a long way in helping you keep a healthy, radiant smile. As always, please call our dental office if you have any questions about your oral health! 717-755-2817.