Brushing and flossing are important components of your routine oral hygiene. Tooth decay and gum diseases can be prevented with the maintenance of good oral hygiene.
Important Points to Remember while Brushing Teeth
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. An electric toothbrush may also be used.
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, and gently move the brush in a back-and-forth motion.
- Brush the outer side of your teeth followed by the inner side and then the chewing surface.
- Move the tip of the brush in an up-and-down motion to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth.
- Use disclosing tablets at regular periods to reveal any plaque left on your teeth.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months, or earlier if the bristles begin to fray.
Flossing is essential to remove the accumulated plaque, a sticky substance that forms between your teeth. You may notice some bleeding in your gums during flossing, which usually improves with continued flossing, as the gums become tighter.
Steps to Floss your Teeth
- Floss your teeth at least once a day.
- Cut 18 inches of dental floss and wind one end around the middle finger of one hand and the other end around the middle finger of the other (Finger Wrap Method).
- Hold the floss between the thumbs and forefingers, and insert it between the teeth, toward the gums.
- Curve the floss into a U shape against each tooth and gently slide it below the gum line.
- Move the floss mildly up and down to scrape off the plaque.
- For flossing your upper teeth, use 12 inches floss and tie the ends together to form a loop (Circle or Loop Method).
Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, bad oral odour, accumulation of tooth stains, reduce the need for fillings or other expensive treatment, and can help improve the overall health of your body.
Brush and floss regularly, eat a well-balanced diet and visit your dentist for regular dental checkups in order to maintain good dental health. Your teeth may last you a lifetime if you practice basic dental care.