As you may already know, it’s very important to brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis. In fact, it’s vital to brush twice a day and floss once a day. However, the only way these techniques will clean your smile is if you use them properly. So, to help you properly brush and floss your teeth, Dr. Leila Ebrahimpoor encourages you to follow these instructions:
Brushing
Step 1: Make sure you have the safest and most effective tools for cleaning your smile. Those are a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. The soft bristles are preferred because they thoroughly clean the teeth and take good care of the gums. The fluoride toothpaste is preferred because the fluoride penetrates the tooth enamel and strengthens your smile.
Step 2: Cover the bristles with the paste and then hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline. Make sure to use just enough pressure to feel the bristles against the gums and between the teeth. This is important because if you use too much pressure, your gums can become irritated.
Step 3: Now it’s time to scrub your teeth. Use a gentle circular motion to scrub the inner, outer, and top surfaces of each tooth. Make sure you thoroughly clean each tooth and you brush for two minutes twice each day.
Step 4: When you are done brushing your teeth, don’t forget to brush your tongue. This will help you have a clean, fresh breath.
Flossing
Step 1: Get about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers and then wind the rest of the floss on the same finger on the opposite hand. Hold about one inch of floss between both of your index fingers with little slack.
Step 2: Use that inch of floss to glide between your teeth in a gentle sawing motion. Make sure to clean both sides of the crevice, removing the plaque and food particles that reside there.
Step 3: When you reach the gumline, gently curve the floss into a “C” shape and clean between the gums and bottom of the tooth. Make sure to be gentle as you do so. This step is crucial for helping your gums remain free from gum disease.
Step 4: Once you’re done cleaning along the gumline, remove the floss from the crevice and move onto the next tooth. Make sure to use a clean section of floss for each space in your smile. If your gums feel sore or if they bleed, remember that it’s because you need to floss more regularly and it’ll take about 5-6 days for your gums to become used to the task of flossing.
In addition to brushing and flossing, it’s important to rinse once a day with mouthwash and visit your dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and exam. These things will also help you achieve the strong and healthy smile you deserve. For more information about oral hygiene in Ottawa, Ontario, call Skyline Dental Associates today at (613) 226-4562 . We look forward to helping you!
The Importance Of Routine Dental Cleanings
Just like regular brushing and flossing is an important part of your oral hygiene routine, seeing your dentist for regular dental cleanings is also a must. Not only can your dentist catch potential problems early on and help avoid them, they can also provide custom tailored advice specific to your oral hygiene needs. Instead of using the internet to try and find the answers to stay on top of your oral health, rely on the dental professionals who are trained and experienced to provide you with reliable cleanings and expert advice. As part of your regular dental check-ups, your dentist will:
- Remove any plaque and tartar build up
- Polish your teeth
- Evaluate the cleanliness of your gums and teeth
- Floss between your teeth
- Provide advice and tips for your daily oral care routine
Combining a dedicated and consistent oral hygiene routine (brushing and flossing) with frequent dental cleanings, you’re sure to have a healthy and beautiful smile that you’ll be proud to show off.
Frequently Asked Questions
As part of a healthy oral hygiene routine, you should brush for two minutes twice a day. Some helpful brushing tips include:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gumline
- Apply adequate pressure to feel the bristle against the gums and teeth
- Use a gentle circular motion to scrub the inner, outer, and top surfaces of each tooth.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes for each brushing session.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends flossing between your teeth at least once in a 24-hour period – but make sure to floss slowly and thoroughly for the best results.
For mostly people, it is recommended that you have a dental cleaning or check-up at least twice a year or once every 6 months. Depending on your unique oral health needs, the frequency of cleaning can vary and might require more consistent visits.