We often remind our patients to see us for checkups and cleanings to keep their teeth and gums strong. But in addition to care at our office, you also need to take preventive actions from home. In today’s blog, your Brighton, MA, dentists will discuss how to properly brush and floss your teeth, and how this safeguards your smile.
Why You Need Daily Care
Each day, as we eat and drink particles are left behind on and between our teeth. Without care to remove them, bacteria will consume them. In the process of breaking down these particles, particularly those left by sugary and starchy foods, oral acidity rises and the teeth become coated in plaque buildup. Impossible to remove with brushing and flossing alone, plaque buildup will worsen with time and harden into tartar. The buildup not only causes bad breath and teeth stains, but increases the risk of everything from tooth decay and dental infection to gingivitis and gum disease. However, daily care at home helps limit buildup until you can see us for a cleaning, during which we completely remove all buildup.
Brushing Your Teeth
You should brush your teeth when you wake up and then once again before going to bed. Each session should take about two minutes to ensure you’re properly cleaning the surfaces of your smile. We suggest that whether you use an electric or manual model, your toothbrush should contain soft bristles to prevent inadvertent enamel damage. Make sure your toothpaste also contains fluoride, which strengthens the outer enamel and helps prevent tooth decay. These actions are necessary for kids and adults alike!
Flossing
Along with brushing your teeth, you also need to floss every evening. Often, the particles caught between the teeth or along the gum line cannot be reached by the bristles of a toothbrush. They stay in place to worsen buildup and inflammation. However, when you clean between your teeth you extract and remove these particles. Each evening, you should take a 10inch to 20inch length of tape and wrap each end around one of your thumbs. Hold it tight with your index finger, and run the tape up and down each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line in a “c” motion. Adjust your grip to use a clean piece of tape for each tooth. If you have any questions, please give us a call today!
Do You Have Questions About Your Oral Hygiene Habits?
Our team wants to help you enjoy a whole and healthy smile with proper oral hygiene routines. To learn more about keeping smiles strong and bright from home, then schedule a consultation by calling Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210. We proudly welcome patients from Brighton, Watertown, and all surrounding communities.
