Dentists of Whittier is committed to helping our dental patients achieve the best oral health possible. Knowing how to brush properly, floss, and take care of your teeth can keep your mouth healthy and keep your smile intact. However, not everyone knows the best oral hygiene and health practices, so we have put together a quick guide with tips on how to care for your teeth, mouth, and gums to prevent dental disease and deterioration.
The best way to brush your teeth is to begin at a 45-degree angle to your gum line. Once your toothbrush is in position, you can begin brushing. However, it is important not to brush too hard. Make small circles with your brush, carefully covering each area of the tooth. This includes the inner and outer surfaces and where you bite down to chew your food. Brushing your gums and tongue is also important, and you should spend at least 30 seconds on each section of the mouth, with the total brushing time being two minutes.
According to the American Dental Association, individuals should brush their teeth at least twice daily. It is also crucial to brush at nighttime after you are done eating and drinking for the day. This prevents food particles and bacteria from remaining in your mouth overnight and helps stop plaque from building up.
The American Dental Association recommends using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush because it does not irritate the mouth and gums as much. Over Brushing or brushing too hard can be counterproductive, causing inflammation and tears on the gum lines.
Proper brushing and flossing are essential if you have braces because it is easy for food to become trapped in the brackets and wires. If you have braces, you can brush as usual, but be careful not to brush too hard. You can also floss, but it may be easier to use waxed floss, a floss threader, a water flosser, or an interdental flossing brush to get hard-to-reach areas.
Flossing is not always an easy feat. However, it is an essential part of oral care. First, remove around 12-18 inches of floss and wrap it around the index or middle finger. Position the floss to where there are approximately 2 inches between the fingers and use your thumbs and forefingers to make a “C” shape around each tooth while carefully inserting and removing the floss from between the teeth. There are also dental floss picks and holders to make flossing easier if you find this method strenuous.
Individuals should floss at least once a day, and regular flossing can ward off more serious issues, such as gingivitis and cavities. Though brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth, there are certain areas that only floss can reach. Without regular flossing, an individual is prone to more dental issues and compromised oral health.
Though mouthwash is important, it should not be used as a substitute for flossing. Mouthwash complements brushing and flossing by killing bacteria and can even be used if you are unable to brush between meals. However, regular brushing and flossing are still critical to oral health.
Do You Have More Questions About How to Take Care of Your Teeth?
If you have more questions about daily oral regimens, or if you wish to make an appointment at Dentists of Whittier, contact us today by calling (562) 414-5025!
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