The Proper Way to Brush & Floss

Plaque (bacteria) is constantly forming on your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it will harden into tartar. If tartar is not removed, it can lead to cavities, gum disease, and even damage to bone in severe cases.

Plaque needs to be removed through daily oral care, which includes brushing and flossing. Are you using the right techniques when it comes to brushing and flossing? While that may sound like an obvious question, there are some specific steps to properly brush and floss your teeth.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and at night (brushing after lunch can also be a good habit). When you brush, be sure to use fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association (AMA). Some fluoride toothpastes also offer tartar control.

When brushing, hold a soft-bristled toothbrush at an angle and aim the bristles where the tooth meets the gum. Press firmly and gently rock the brush back-and-forth using small circular movements. Do not scrub. You should always brush the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Also, brush your tongue to prevent bad breath.

You should buy a new toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or worn down. Also, if you catch a cold, flu, or any other infection, then you should buy a new toothbrush, as there may be bacteria on the brush.

Brushing cannot reach every small nook and cranny between your teeth, or under your gum line. That is why you also need to floss once a day. Flossing is all about removing food debris and plaque.

Bacteria do not take any time off when it comes to your teeth and neither should you. Visit our website to learn more about brushing and flossing, call 702-997-7707 to make an appointment for a professional dental cleaning and exam with an experienced dentist.

Going Beyond Toothbrushes and Floss

Do you ever feel like your regular cleaning routine just isn't cutting it? Sometimes, if we are not thorough enough, even practicing steps for good oral hygiene can leave your teeth vulnerable to cavities.

At our dental office, during your bi-annual professional cleanings with our hygienist, you will always have a more thorough clean feeling than your normal brushing and flossing. This is because our oral hygienist uses special tools to help get beneath the gums and into tough to reach spots that you may not be able to even see when brushing at home.

If you would like a more thorough clean, there are some simple tools we recommend to compliment your everyday brushing and flossing. At the very least we recommend using plaque staining tablets every once in a while. When crushed and left in the mouth, these tablets will leave a light pigment on any plaque that was missed during cleaning, allowing you to easily see what areas need to be brushed once more. This pigment is temporary and can help you find out if you have a habit of skipping over any areas in the mouth.

Those with braces or who have a history with gum disease should take extra care to ensure their teeth are thoroughly cleaned twice a day to prevent future decay. For more useful tools that can help improve your at home care, visit our site, or talk to one of our dentists.