Proper Brushing and Flossing
At the risk of sounding like your mom or Grade 1 teacher, Able Dental reminds you once again of the benefits of good home dental care. It begins and ends with regular – and correct – brushing and flossing. Yes, regular visits to your Able Dental hygienist is essential for complete tooth care, but you can enhance those efforts measurably. Nothing can replace a professional dental cleaning, as you do not have the specialized tooling needed to clean below the gum line.
Brushing
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day using a small brush with soft, rounded bristles.
Flossing
Daily flossing prevents periodontal disease and limits the depth of gum pockets. Choose floss that’s pleasant to use.
Why Brush and Floss?
Why is your daily diligence with a brush and roll of floss vital? The answer remains the same as it has for generations: prevention.
These two simple tools prevent:
- Tooth decay, which causes tooth loss
- Periodontal disease, which causes tooth loss, gum and jawbone recession
- Halitosis or bad breath
- Staining or yellowing of teeth
Brushing
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day using a small brush with soft, rounded bristles. Change your brush every three to four months. Electric brushes have been found to be more effective.
Proper brushing begins at 45 degrees; place your brush at that angle where your teeth meet your gums.
Remember to:
- Use small, gentle, circular motions
- Brush every surface of every tooth, cheek-side, tongue-side and chewing surface
- Pay extra attention to your back teeth
- Brush back and forth over chewing surfaces
- Brush your tongue with a tongue scraper to remove fungi, food and debris
Flossing
Daily flossing prevents periodontal disease and limits the depth of gum pockets. Choose floss that’s pleasant to use. Wrap an 18-inch length around your middle fingers until your hands are about three inches apart.
Remember to:
- Be gentle while working the floss between your teeth toward your gums
- Curve the floss around each tooth and carefully slide it beneath the gum line
- Move the floss up and down to remove plaque and debris
Your Able dentist or hygienist will be happy to answer any questions about proper methods of brushing or flossing or to book an appointment.