Did you know that there are proper ways you should be brushing and flossing your teeth? There are also various types of toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental products that are designed to fit specific mouth sizes, dental needs and more. Brushing and flossing correctly involves knowing proper technique as well as how often you need to do it, why, and the effect those habits have on your dental health. Let us help you learn the proper technique and additional tips for brushing and flossing correctly!

Oral Hygiene Habits

Did you know that you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing 1-2 times? These daily habits are known as “oral hygiene” habits. Oral hygiene are the habits that keep the mouth clean to prevent oral conditions from forming. Every person should practice oral hygiene habits every single day if they want to keep their teeth and gums healthy. A healthy mouth consists of:

• Teeth that are free of plaque and other debris.
• Gums that are a healthy shade of pink, that don’t bleed, swell or hurt.
• Being free of problems such as bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.

Oral hygiene habits consist of brushing and flossing the teeth, plus using mouthwash, fluoride products, eating right, and visiting the dentist. Brushing and flossing are the most important oral hygiene habits you can have. Not enough people are brushing and flossing each day, or doing these things correctly. You don’t have to be one of those people!

Proper Brushing

Did you know that there is a correct way to brush your teeth? Patients should use the following recommendations when brushing their teeth:

• Choose a toothbrush that fits the size of your mouth. There are toothbrushes for infants (like gum brushes), child brushes and adult toothbrushes of all shapes and sizes. Your toothbrush should be big enough to clean the crevices of your teeth and should fit comfortably in your mouth. The brush should be comfortable in your hand. Most adults need a “small” or “medium”-sized brush, and sizes can be found on the packaging.
• Brush for 2 minutes every time, at least morning and night. Use a timer or brush for a duration of a song if you struggle with proper brushing time.
• Make sure you brush each tooth surface, top and bottom, back to front at all different angles. If you wear braces, brush in all directions at a 45 degree angle to dislodge food. Do extra brushing on the back molars, where food can collect.
• Don’t brush with just water. Toothpaste was invented for a reason and contains substances that can help strengthen your teeth (like fluoride) and can rid your mouth of harmful bacteria.
• Brush along your gum line, where plaque lies. Brush your tongue so that you remove as much tongue debris and bacteria as possible.
• Use ADA-approved products. The American Dental Association approves products that live up to their claims and that are successful for helping patients avoid tooth decay and oral health diseases. Look for the “ADA Seal of Approval” on your dental products to ensure they are quality ones.
• Make sure you change out your toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles start to look frayed. This ensures you have a firm toothbrush.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush so that the bristles are tough enough on the teeth to remove debris, but not so tough that it hurts your tooth enamel.
• Brush your teeth using the proper technique, for 2 minutes, using toothpaste, at least 2 times a day, if not after every meal.

Flossing Your Teeth

Infants and children will struggle flossing. Luckily, flossing doesn’t actually have to start until the teeth grow and the  toothbrush bristles can’t pass in between the teeth. When this happens with a child, flossing should begin. Start a child out with flossers. These are small hand-held dental picks that have an inch or less of floss on one end. Flossers can work just as well as string floss, and are easier for many children to use until they have the dexterity for regular floss.

• Wind floss around 1-2 teeth on either hand, with about 1 inch of flossing space with which to floss with. Your floss should be pulled taunt between the hands as you floss, so it is stronger for removing plaque and food.
• Make sure to floss in between every tooth, back and forth, moving the floss around to dislodge food. Give special attention to the back molars, where food is stuck easier.
• When using string floss, aim to use about 18 inches of floss at a time. This is so that you have a fresh area of floss for every few teeth. When you floss, you remove bacteria from the teeth, which you don’t want to be putting in between other teeth.
• Don’t reuse floss that you’ve already used. Bacteria can grow in between uses.
• Try to wrap the floss around each tooth like the letter “C” as you move it back and forth. Another method of removing plaque from the teeth is to scrape the floss along the teeth as you move it up and down.
• Don’t worry if the gums bleed at first. This is normal when starting a correct flossing routine.

Better Oral Health

Do you want better oral health this year? Do you want to stop getting cavities, bad breath and gum problems? Brushing and flossing are by far the best treatments you can give your teeth to avoid countless oral health diseases. Plus, you can do these very simple habits in the comfort of your own home! If you need help with proper technique with an infant or child, call Mountain Aire Dentistry today at (303) 731-7755!