Routine Dental Care
Correct Brushing Technique.
Have you ever wondered how old is your toothbrush? If it dates back to the last century, run, don’t walk to the nearest store and pick up a new one. It’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. However, if the bristles look worn, replace it right away so you don’t hurt your gums.
All toothbrushes are not created equal. Select a toothbrush with super soft, nylon bristles that have round ends for kinder, gentler polishing. Also look for a brush with a small head so you can easily reach every nook and cranny in your mouth.
You may want to keep an extra brush at work (or in your locker for students).
To keep your pearly whites both pearly and white, brush them for three or four minutes twice a day using a pea sized amount of toothpaste. You probably think you do just that, but most of us spend less than a minute brushing. So next time you brush, stop to smell the toothpaste and take your time so you don’t miss any spots.
Brushing Technique for Effective Dental Health Maintenance
There are many different ways to properly brush your teeth. You should check with your dentist at Dentessence to determine what’s best suited for your particular model of mouth, since tooth position and gum condition varies from person to person.
Following are some guidelines for a common, effective way to get the job done.
“Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and gently brush teeth in a Sweeping motion from the gums to the teeth.
Since your toothbrush will only clean one or two teeth at a time, change its position to properly clean each tooth.
Gently brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces and the chewing surfaces of all your teeth.
Use the tip of your brush to clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
Be sure not to brush your teeth too hard or use a hard bristled toothbrush, as this can cause your gums to recede and also wears down the tooth structure. These conditions can lead to tooth sensitivity.
Last but not least, remember to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.”
Flossing is as important as Brushing.
Flossing . . . A Little Bit of String Goes a Long Way
Brushing only does half the job. It cannot reach the teeth surfaces between the teeth.
Flossing provides the finishing touch – it gets hidden bits of food out and rids your mouth of sneaky bacteria that can turn into plaque, the evil creator of cavities and gum disease.
Stop making excuses! You should floss every day to keep that nasty plaque from hardening. To help build the habit, try to floss at the same time every day. It’s easiest and best to floss right before bed – that way your teeth are nice and clean for that 6-8 hours you’re asleep! Keep the floss on your sidestand where you can see it everyday so that you remember to floss.
It’s up to you what kind of floss you use. You could choose waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored or even high-tech flosses designed to slip into tight spaces easily. To make the job even easier, you can buy a floss holder that holds floss tight for you, or even an interdental cleaner – a refined sort of toothbrush designed to stimulate gums and get rid of bacteria.
How to use the floss? (Flossing Technique)
Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the rest around the same finger on the other hand. This finger will take up the floss as it is used. Only keep 3-4 inches of floss between your fingers at any one time.
Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Guide the floss between your teeth, using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into your gums, as this can injure the gum tissue. You will need to place one of your fingers with floss on it in your mouth, next to the tooth you are flossing.
When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a “c” shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently run the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. Be sure not to forget the back side of your last tooth.