Improve Your Brushing and Flossing with These Tips
The best thing a person can do for proper oral health is flossing and brushing your teeth every day. However, we were not born knowing this skill. We have to learn and practice developing effective methods to remove that disease-causing gunky bacterial plaque.
It will help you if you understand the technique behind the method, the flossing action or any problems you might run into different situations. The following are answers to four common dental hygiene questions that might help you when flossing and brushing your teeth.
- How often does the dentist think you should brush and floss? At least once a day, so you can prevent plaque buildup, the primary cause for periodontal (gum) disease, and tooth decay. If you already have some dental disease, then a more frequent brushing and flossing will probably be advised. Make sure you use a gentle type technique – it won’t take much pressure to get rid of that plaque and if you are too aggressive it can hurt your gums and even your tooth enamel.
- How often should I change out my toothbrush? If you use your toothbrush correctly and by that, it means gently using your brush, your toothbrush should be able to last you for several months. When you start noticing your bristles getting worn or splayed out, you need to get a soft, new bristle brush.
- Is there a special toothpaste I should use? You might like a dozen different kinds of toothpaste that are available when it comes down to texture or flavor. When it comes to a hygiene standpoint, you need to choose a toothpaste that will have fluoride in it to strengthen your enamel and one containing an anti-tartar agent so it will inhibit forming any more hardened plaque. And, while we are on that subject, don’t get rid of the toothpaste out of your mouth as soon as you are finished brushing – you might be rinsing the fluoride out too quickly, and it takes time for it to contact with the tooth enamel and strengthen it.
- But my teeth hurt and are sensitive when I am brushing. If you are having problems while you brush, check with Complete Dental Works to see what the cause could be. Usually, the most common reason found will be a recession of your gums, due to diseased gums, and that will expose your roots. It can cause you a lot of discomfort when you bite into cold or hot foods, or there is pressure put on your teeth when brushing. You need to get treatment for the condition causing the problem, or a special toothpaste might be recommended that could reduce your tooth sensitivity. Just be gentle when you are brushing.
If you want to be educated further on flossing, brushing, or any other aspects of oral hygiene, please contact Complete Dental Works in Teaneck, NJ, or make an appointment for a consultation.