Improve Your Brushing and Flossing Technique
Brushing and flossing right at home is going to make your next dentist appointment a breeze. Impress your dentist by following these steps every day.
Brushing
• Be sure to use a easy to hold toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles
• Use toothpaste with fluoride to help protect the teeth from plaque
• Position your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line
• Make short, circular strokes and make sure you are applying just enough pressure to feel the bristles
• Be sure to brush the fronts and backs of the teeth several times, as well as along the gum line
• Brush the top surfaces, or chewing surfaces, of the teeth straight on
• Keep in mind the fact that your brush can only clean one or two teeth at a time, so it is important that you keep it moving to reach all areas
• Watch yourself in the mirror to be sure you are keeping up the technique
• Don’t forget to brush your tongue! Bacteria accumulates there and can cause tooth decay and horrible breath
• Time yourself – each time you brush should last at least two minutes
Flossing
• Using a longer piece of floss will make it easier hold onto
• Wind most of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving only about an inch of floss between your hands
• Glide the floss between the teeth in a gentle back-and-forth motion
• When you feel resistance against your gumline, curve the floss into a “C” shape against one of the teeth
At the end of this process, don’t forget to rinse away any remaining debris and plaque. And remember, there are some substances that only a dentist can remove, so attend dental cleaning appointments regularly.