For most people, brushing and flossing is just a normal part of their everyday routine and something that simply must be done; however, many people are surprised to learn that they're not doing it properly. For instance, proper brushing takes at least two minutes to complete, and most people don't brush for nearly that long. If you stop and think about how you brush and floss, you may realize that you don't pay a whole lot of attention to the whole oral hygiene routine. To reap all the benefits of brushing and flossing, it's important to make sure you're adopting the right techniques to maximize your oral health.
The friendly team at Brush Country Dental Center would like to remind everyone of how important it is to brush and floss each and every day - and to do a very good job of it! To help you steer clear of problems like tooth decay and gum disease that can jeopardize the health and appearance of your smile, it's very important to pay attention to your oral hygiene. Instead of just standing over the sink while you thoughtlessly go through the routine of brushing and flossing, we want to provide you with helpful tips to make you mindful of what you're doing.
Brushing and Flossing Tips
Here are four easy steps to follow that will help you take great care of your smile.
- Brush your teeth after every meal and before bedtime with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Spend at least 2 minutes brushing each time
- Floss every day, before heading off to bed.
- Visit your Pleasanton dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
- Keep your breath fresh by brushing your tongue.
How To Be A Better Brusher
To get used to brushing your teeth for two minutes, use the timer on your smartphone or a stopwatch. Be sure to use short, gentle strokes while paying extra attention to those hard-to-reach back teeth and along the gum line. Brush all the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then do the same on your lower teeth. Next, brush the inner surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. Then brush the chewing surfaces of all the teeth and finish up by brushing your tongue for fresher breath.
Flossing Done Right
Flossing is easy once you get the proper technique down. To floss your teeth the right way, start by pulling about 20 inches of floss from the dispenser and wrap the ends around your index and middle fingers. While holding the floss tightly around each tooth in a C-shape, move the floss back and forth in a push-pull motion and up and down against the side of every tooth.
Change Your Habits
If you realize that you haven't been doing that great of a job brushing and flossing, it's not too late to change your habits! There is no bad time to begin taking great care of your teeth and gums so get started today at becoming a better brusher and flosser! In addition to brushing your teeth after meals and at bedtime, you should also work in extra sessions after you enjoy snacks that are high in carbs and sugar to protect your teeth from decay.
Contact Your Pleasanton Dentists Today!
Brush Country Dental Center offers all the dental services your family needs under one roof, to make it very convenient to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful! If it's time for you to undergo a routine exam and professional cleaning, request an appointment today. We look forward to seeing your smiling face soon!