Oral health is a crucial gauge of general health and well-being. Your smile and overall health depend on basic dental care routines, including flossing and brushing. Are you using the correct methods? Follow these steps to safeguard your dental health.
Brushing
Dental health starts with healthy teeth. Keeping your teeth clean helps in preventing gum disease and cavities. Some brushing tips:
- Make sure you brush two times daily. Take at least 2 minutes to complete the job. Do not clean your teeth right after eating, particularly in the case of acidic foods like soda and grapefruit. Make sure to clean your tongue using the tongue scraper.
- Always rinse your toothbrush after brushing and place it in an upright position and let it dry in the air. Keep it apart from other toothbrushes within the same holder to avoid cross-contamination. Do not cover it, as that encourages mold, bacteria, and yeast growth.
- Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush that will fit comfortably in your mouth. Use an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, as it can help reduce plaque and tartar formation and even mild forms of gum disease more than manual brushing.
- Change the head that fits your electric brush every three months or sooner if bristles become irregular.
- Make sure you are practicing proper techniques. Hold your brush at an angle, with the bristles pointing towards where the tooth meets the gum. Brush gently using circular, short back and forth motions.
Flossing
The bacteria lying in the tiniest space between the teeth or beneath the gum line can't be accessed using brushing. This is why flossing regularly is essential.
- Break off about 18 inches of floss. Wrap it around your middle finger with one hand and the remaining in the other. Hold it tight between your fingers and thumbs.
- Guide the floss between your teeth with a rubbing motion, and do not force it against your gums. When the floss reaches the gum line, gently curve it around one tooth, creating a c-shape.
- Slide the floss into the gap between your gum and tooth. Make use of it to lightly rub against the surface of your tooth using an upward and downward motion. Unwind the floss as you move towards the remaining teeth.
Other Oral Health Care Tips
- Alongside daily flossing and brushing, use a fluoride mouthwash to improve your dental health.
- Beware of using toothpicks and other items that can hurt your gums.
- Stop smoking and chewing tobacco.
Please reach out to our dental practice in Pleasanton, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist in Pleasanton CA, Dr. Dogra. Please call us at (925) 600-9006 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.