You heard it enough from all dentists that brushing and flossing is the best defense in the fight against developing cavities. At Sunnyvale Dental Care practice in Sunnyvale, California, we like to add that brushing and flossing techniques are not that simple to follow, intuitive, or easy to accomplish correctly.
There is a learning curve. Sunnyvale dentist Dr. Bhawna Gupta DDS always says, “Daily dental hygiene at home is even more important than his professional dental cleaning done every six months.”
With this being mentioned, daily dental cleaning done at home does not substitute for professional dental cleaning or periodontal maintenance done every 6 months or every 3 or 4 months.
How to Brush Correctly
Brush at The Right Angle
The bristles of the brush need to reach into the space between your teeth and gums. To do this, Dr. Gupta recommends to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth and gums.
Make Sure to Brush Gently
When it comes to cleaning your teeth, the biggest mistake is scrubbing too hard, which can wear away your gums. Use a very short back-and-forth motion or a small circular motion. Don’t move the brush more than half a tooth length. Do the outsides and the insides top and bottom. Dr. Gupta recommends a soft toothbrush and changing your toothbrush at least every 3 months.
Brushing Your Front Teeth
To reach behind the upper and lower front teeth, Sunnyvale dental cleaning expert Dr. Gupta recommends to hold the brush vertically and use the bristle toward the end of the brush.
Brush the Chewing Surfaces
Dr. Bhawna Gupta DDS emphasizes the importance of cleaning the crevices in the chewing surfaces of your teeth where food can get stuck. Use a gentle back-and-forth motion. Electric toothbrushes like Sonicare offer effective and thorough dental cleaning at home.
How to Floss Correctly
At Sunnyvale Dental Care clinic we recommend:
- Keep your fingers close to your teeth for better control.
- Work the floss back and forth slightly to ease it between your teeth so it doesn’t snap in and injure your gums.
- Make a “C” shape around the tooth.
- Move the floss gently up and down the side of the tooth, making sure to clean between the tooth and the gum in a shoe buffing motion.
- Do both sides of every tooth, advancing to a clean section of floss for each side.
Benefits of Brushing and Flossing Correctly
Effective Plaque Removal
Brushing and flossing correctly work together to remove plaque, preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria on teeth and gums.
Prevents Cavities
The combination of brushing and flossing helps eliminate food particles and bacteria in hard-to-reach areas, reducing the risk of cavities and decay.
Gum Health
Proper brushing and flossing contribute to healthy gums by removing plaque and preventing gum disease, ensuring the overall well-being of your oral tissues.
Fresher Breath
Brushing and flossing eliminate bacteria and debris, combating bad breath and promoting a consistently fresh and pleasant oral environment.
Comprehensive Cleaning
While brushing addresses tooth surfaces, flossing targets the spaces between teeth, providing a more thorough and complete cleaning routine.
Prevents Gum Disease
The combined efforts of brushing and flossing reduce the risk of gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, safeguarding your oral health.
Preserves Tooth Enamel
Brushing helps preserve the enamel, and flossing aids in preventing decay between teeth, ensuring the longevity and strength of your teeth.
Enhances Aesthetic Appeal
Proper brushing and flossing contribute to a brighter, whiter smile by removing surface stains and preventing plaque buildup that can dim the appearance of teeth.
Reduces Risk of Health Issues
Maintaining good oral hygiene through correct brushing and flossing is linked to a lower risk of systemic health issues, promoting overall well-being.
Establishes a Healthy Routine
Consistent brushing and flossing create a positive oral care routine, reinforcing habits that contribute to long-term dental health.
Cost-Effective Prevention
By preventing common dental issues, correct brushing and flossing can save on dental costs associated with treatments for problems arising from poor oral hygiene.