Want to take great care of your teeth? We’re here to help! Brushing and flossing like a pro is easy! We’ve got the tips and tools you need. Read on to learn how to keep your teeth in top shape so they stay healthy and strong!
Why Dental Hygiene is Important
Before we talk about the how-to’s of brushing and flossing like a pro, let’s start by talking about why it’s important to brush and floss your teeth.
When you eat or drink, food particles and residue can linger on the surfaces of your teeth. As these food particles react with the saliva in your mouth, they can produce an acidic environment that can erode the enamel of your teeth and irritate your gums over time. If the erosion and irritation is allowed to continue, it can result in the development of cavities or gum disease.
That’s why it’s important to brush your teeth after each meal and floss daily. When you brush and floss your teeth, it works to wash away unwanted food debris, residue, and bacteria so that your teeth and gums stay clean and healthy.
Tips for Better Brushing and Flossing
When you brush your teeth, make sure to brush every surface. It can help to think of your mouth as divided into 4 different sections: the top right, top left, bottom right, and bottom left. Try to spend 30 seconds on each section and make sure to brush the front and back of each tooth along with the top surfaces of your molars (or back teeth).
Many people think that brushing is enough, but studies show that brushing only reaches about 60% of the surfaces of your teeth, leaving areas between your teeth completely untouched! That’s why it’s also important to floss daily.
To floss, start with an 18 inch strand of floss and wrap it loosely around the middle finger on each hand, then use your index or pointer fingers on both hands to guide the floss between each tooth.
The Right Tools Matter
Brushing and flossing like a pro is easy when you have the right tools! From electric toothbrushes to floss picks and waterpik pressurized water flossers, there are lots of tools to help make brushing and flossing like a pro easier! Talk with your dentist at your next appointment about which tools could be the most helpful for your dental care needs.
Call our Pacific dental office, to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.