You’ve heard us recommend brushing and flossing every day to safeguard your teeth and gums, and many of you do! But often, people just don’t brush and floss properly, which leaves smiles at risk. In today’s blog, your Brighton, MA, dentists talk about better brushing and flossing habits.
The Dangers That Plaque Buildup Poses
Over time, the sugar and starch in the foods and drinks we consume will be broken down by harmful oral bacteria. When this happens, oral acidity levels rise and the teeth are coated in a sticky layer of plaque, which can harden into tartar with time. The buildup is linked to a higher risk of bad breath and teeth stains, as well as cavities and even gingivitis and gum disease. But with daily care, you can reduce the severity of buildup until you can see us for a cleaning, which helps protect your smile from poor oral health.
Brushing Your Teeth
You need to brush your teeth for two minutes when you wake up and then again before going to bed each evening. Each time, be sure you use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid any inadvertent damage to enamel or the gums. We also recommend a fluoride toothpaste, as this helps strengthen the outer enamel to make cavities and infection less likely. You should approach your teeth at a 45-degree angle to clean the tops and fronts of the side and rear teeth. Be sure you use circular motions to clean the front facing teeth, and move along the gum line too. This is something every member of your family needs to do!
Flossing
In the evening before you brush that second time, you should also floss. This involves using floss picks, string, or tape to clean up and down each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line each time. These actions help remove what a toothbrush alone cannot, so you can enjoy a lowered risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. Flossing should happen as soon as there are teeth sitting side-by-side, so your kids should floss as well!
Daily care, combined with routine visits every six months for a checkup and cleaning can help protect smiles from poor oral health, and allow them to stay brighter for longer. If you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a visit for you and your family, then contact our team today.
Talk to Brighton Family Dental About Better Oral Hygiene
With good oral health habits, you can keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. Learn more about protecting your oral health by calling us at Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210.
