04 Dec Tips For Improved Brushing And Flossing
When you take care of your smile from home, and combine this with regular visits for checkups and cleanings, you can help your teeth and gums stay strong! Which is why we want to talk about how to properly brush and floss your teeth. Our Dallas, TX holistic dental office wants you to start 2025 with your best smile!
Fighting Plaque Buildup
Over time, harmful oral bacteria in your mouth will break down and consume particles of sugar and starch left behind by the foods and drinks we consume. As they do, this creates an elevated level of oral acidity and coats the teeth in plaque buildup. This sticky layer eventually hardens into tartar, and can weaken and erode enamel to cause cavities and even dental infection. The same buildup can irritate and inflame the gums to cause gingivitis and gum disease, and is also linked to bad breath and teeth stains. Which is why brushing and flossing each day is so vital, as this removes stray food and drink particles and helps limit the severity of plaque and tartar buildup until we can remove the layers with a cleaning every six months.
Brushing
You should brush your teeth for two minutes when you wake up and then again before going to bed. Be sure you use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damage to enamel or irritation in the gums. We also suggest a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the outer enamel and make cavities less likely. You should approach the teeth with the toothbrush at a 450-degree angle to clean the top and front of each tooth, and also use circular motions to thoroughly clean the front facing teeth.
Flossing
Before you brush your teeth that second time, be sure you floss. You can use tape, string, or a pick, as long as you are flossing up and down each side of every tooth, and dipping beneath the gum line too, so you can remove what a toothbrush alone cannot.
Schedule Your Checkup and Cleaning
While these actions control the buildup, you need regular cleanings to remove it completely from your smile and keep your teeth and gums strong. You should schedule one soon, so we can help you end 2024 with a brighter and healthy smile. If you have any questions about how we conduct a cleaning or how to properly brush and floss, then contact our team today.
Make Time for Your Next Visit in Far North Dallas With Kozlow & Rowell!
We want to offer a holistic and preventive approach to keeping your smile healthy and strong! To learn more about our preventive approach to dental care, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at your local Dallas, TX cosmetic dentists at (972) 458-2464.