Seems like something we shouldn’t have to go over, but you would be surprised at how many adults don’t brush or floss correctly. There are certain conditions and techniques that are recommended to make brushing and flossing as effective as possible. While mouthwash can be a positive addition to your dental routine, it should not be used in place of brushing and flossing. If while brushing or flossing you are seeing your gums bleed, be sure to contact your trusted Manahawkin dentist right away as it could be an indication of gingivitis or something more serious. By following the recommendations below, you are giving yourself the best shot at avoiding any dental disease.
Brushing – It’s something you’ve done almost your entire life, but are you doing it right? Is there a right way? Before we get into technique, lets cover how often and for how long you should be brushing. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft bristle toothbrush. Many people think that a firmer bristled brush is better at removing plaque and tartar, but those firmer bristles can also do damage to your sensitive gum line. Unless your dentist recommends otherwise, stick with a soft bristled brush. Select a toothbrush head shape and size that is comfortable in your mouth and allows you to reach all your teeth on all sides. Most toothbrushes should be replaced about every 3 months. If you see tattered bristles sooner than 3 months on your toothbrush, exchange it for a new one. A worn toothbrush won’t be as effective at removing plaque and tartar. The proper way to brush is to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline and brush each tooth using short strokes back and forth. Make sure to cover all surfaces of the tooth. You should brush for at least 2 minutes two times a day.
Flossing – It’s a simple task, yet so many people avoid doing it. It could be because flossing can cause your gums to bleed and it can be painful when first starting a new flossing routine if you have not done it for a long time. However, it is an essential part of any good dental hygiene routine. When you make it a part of your daily dental care, it should not cause you any pain or gum bleeding. It is recommended to clean in between your teeth at least once a day using floss. Toothbrushes and mouthwash can not get into those small spaces adequately enough to remove the plaque that can build up. If you skip flossing, you are inviting bacteria to stay in between your teeth and possible cause a cavity. To properly floss, you should take about 18 inches of floss and wrap most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wrap a small portion of the other end around the same finger on the opposite hand. Holding the floss taught, slide it in between your teeth using a rubbing motion. As you approach your gum line, hold the floss so it somewhat wraps around the front and back of the tooth and slide it down the surface of the tooth. Use a fresh section of floss for each space until all of the interdental areas.
Even with proper dental hygiene, you should also visit your favorite Manahawkin dentist twice a year for check-ups and professional cleanings.
We recommend giving Bayside Dentistry a call. By allowing your dentist to keep a close eye on your mouth by doing exams, cleanings, and x-rays, you can catch small problems before they become large ones. Driving directions can be found here.