Are you Brushing and Flossing Correctly?

The amount of attention you pay to your teeth at home is just as vital as receiving a regular dental cleaning with your dentist. To have an easier time in the dentist’s chair, proper at-home dental care is necessary. Brushing and flossing your teeth helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which will keep your teeth healthy and bright for years to come.

Here’s a quick “How-To” guide on how to properly brush and floss.

Let’s Start with Brushing your Teeth

At a minimum, you should be brushing your teeth twice a day, but ideally you should brush after every meal.

• As you brush, angle the tooth brush so that it meets both your gum and teeth.
•  Softly brush in an up and down motion – do not scrub! Brushing too hard can lead to gum recession.
•  Brush every tooth, including the inner surface. Be sure to brush your tongue as well.
• It’s important to brush your teeth for at least two minutes. To keep track, hum a song to yourself, or brush while watching TV.
• Be sure to replace your tooth brush every three months to ensure the best cleaning ability!

Regular brushing helps remove bacteria from the teeth that could – if left untreated – lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Now Let’s Take Flossing Step-by-Step

Once you are finished brushing, you should floss in order to remove any leftover bacteria from between your teeth. By flossing at least once a day, plaque is not able to harm the surface of your teeth, and this helps prevent gum disease or infection in the long run.

• When you begin flossing, gather at least 18 inches of floss and wrap each end around both index fingers. Leave around two inches of floss in between each finger.
• Place the floss in between each tooth and maneuver a “C” motion back and forth at least three times.
• Floss every tooth – even your back molars – and use a new section of floss once the old portion gets overused.

Flossing helps remove the remaining bacteria that you missed while brushing, and also improves the health of your gums. You may notice some sensitivity and bleeding while you floss, and that is normal. Once you begin to floss every day, any discomfort will subside.

Call Today!

For more information about proper dental care at home or to schedule an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning, contact Dr. Matthew Milana today!