Brushing and flossing are routine activities in your life, just like washing your face or combing your hair. But are you using the proper brushing and flossing technique to fight plaque?
Our renowned dentist in Bethesda, MD, can offer a proper understanding of the importance of homecare oral practices like brushing and flossing.
Importance of proper brushing and flossing
Regular dental visits and professional cleaning are essential to improve your oral health. However, homecare hygiene practices are also equally valuable.
Oral health rejuvenation is a key factor for the enhancement of your physical and mental well-being. This is because there is a link between oral health and certain medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.
Proper brushing and flossing are essential due to the following reasons:
- Prevention of dental decay
- Prevention of periodontal disease (inflammation of the gums and alveolar bone)
- Prevention of halitosis (bad breath)
- Prevention of staining
Effective brushing technique
The following tips are crucial to fight plaque and bacteria:
- Brush your teeth twice daily in the morning and before bed
- Use a small-headed brush to reach even the inaccessible areas in your mouth
- Always ensure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush so that the brush is gentle on the gums
- Currently, the ADA (American Dental Association) has approved electric toothbrushes with an oscillating or rotating head
The basic technique includes:
- Place the brush at a 45-degree angle where the gums and teeth meet
- Use circular motions to brush the teeth and gum line
- Use all the surfaces of the teeth
- Use back-and-forth motions to clean the chewing surfaces
- Do not forget to brush your tongue to remove food debris and fungi
Enhanced flossing technique
Flossing is used in combination with brushing since it offers the following benefits:
- Effectively removes plaque from the interdental regions (between the teeth) where a regular brush cannot reach
- It can dramatically reduce the risk of periodontal disease and also limits the depth of the gingival pocket
The basic technique includes:
- Cut a piece of floss measuring 18 inches long
- Wrap one end of the floss around the middle finger of your left hand
- Wrap the other end around the middle finger of the right hand
- Both the hands should be 2 to 3 inches apart
- Work the floss gently between your teeth
- Move the floss up and down several times gently
Proper brushing and flossing can enhance the health of the mouth, impart a radiant sparkling smile, and prevent serious dental problems.
