To fight plaque buildup and protect your smile from poor oral health, you need to brush your teeth each day. But even those who do take time to do this, may not be doing so correctly. In today’s blog, your Brighton, MA, dentists want to offer some tips for optimal brushing and flossing.
Picking a Toothbrush
How do you pick the right toothbrush for yourself or for your kids? There are a lot of options available. Some people prefer a manual brush, while others opt for electric. We think both are great, the key is which one are you more likely to use each and every day. Our team does however recommend choosing soft bristles instead or hard or medium ones. Soft bristles prevent enamel damage and gum irritation if you brush too hard. For children, make sure you pick one that is age appropriate. You may also need to monitor them to ensure they’re properly cleaning their teeth.
Brushing Correctly
You should brush your teeth first thing in the morning, and then again before going to bed. Each session should take about two minutes, and you should use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Looking for the word fluoride on the packaging or the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Older kids, teens, and adults should use a pea-sized amount, while younger children need a rice-sized amount. Be sure you clean the sides and chewing surfaces, and use circular motions to scrub the fronts of your smile. To help control harmful oral bacteria, brushing your tongue is beneficial too. Kids need to also clean their teeth twice a day as well.
Taking Time to Floss
We often find that families who take time to use their toothbrush tend to skip flossing, when flossing is even more vital! Flossing removes the bits of food trapped between your teeth or along the gum line, which could be out of reach for your toothbrush’s bristles. Older kids and adults can use floss tape, while young children and those with limited dexterity should use a pick. Be sure you clean up and down each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line to remove what is trapped. This should be done every evening without exception. If you have any questions about how to properly clean your smile, then contact our team today to learn more or schedule your next visit.
Do You Have Questions About Oral Health?
We want to make sure you and your family enjoy good oral health with better hygiene habits. To learn more about caring for your smile each day, then schedule a consultation by calling Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210. We proudly welcome patients from Brookline, Newton, and all surrounding communities.
