Brushing and Flossing Tips from Your Dentist in Blaine

Your Blaine dentist, Dr. Douglas Green, says daily brushing and flossing at home keep smiles  healthy and shining. What’s the best way to do your oral hygiene routine?

We All Need to Brush and Floss

Your daily brushing and flossing routine is so important.  Brushing your teeth removes biofilm, the sticky plaque that builds up on and in between teeth. Biofilm contains bacteria that thrive on carbs and processed sugars. These bacteria secrete acids that cause cavities. They also infect gums with the inflammatory disease called gingivitis and its more destructive cousin, periodontitis.

At your dentist’s office in Blaine, Dr. Douglas Green’s professional team tell patients that brushing twice a day and flossing daily, along with semi-annual exams and cleanings, remove biofilm for a brighter, healthier smile that lasts. It’s wise advice.

How to Brush Your Teeth

The American Dental Association (ADA) advises both children and adults to brush for at least two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. A soft-bristled brush gets the job done and doesn’t abrade tooth enamel or soft gum tissue.

To start, put your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to front tooth surfaces, and gently scrub using short back and forth strokes. Brush at the gumline, but take care not to scrub too hard and hurt the gums. Proceed to the chewing surfaces of the teeth and finally to the backsides, using up and down strokes.

Take your time, and be sure to clean every single tooth, not just the ones that are easy to reach. Use a timer if necessary to reach a full two minutes. (There are phone apps for this.)  Rinse your mouth thoroughly with lots of water.

How to Floss

Select a quality floss that you like. Waxed,  flavored or plain–it doesn’t matter. Just pick a good product, and use it every single day. People with fixed bridgework or braces find interproximal brushes (they look like tiny baby bottle brushes) and floss threaders helpful to get around permanent hardware.

Next, take an 18-inch length of floss from the dispenser. Wind the ends of the floss around opposing index fingers, pulling two or three inches taut between your thumb and fingers.

Insert the floss between two teeth, and move it up and down, removing food residue. Be gentle. Do not snap the floss against your gum tissue. Repeat the process in all interdental spaces and around your back teeth. Rinse really well with water.

Expect tenderness and minor bleeding if flossing is new to you. This will resolve quickly if you are consistent with flossing every day.

Other Tips for Great Oral Hygiene

1. Supervise kids when they brush and floss. Children under three need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, and kids under six need parents to floss for them.
2. Most people floss their teeth before going to bed at night.
3. Flossing takes time and practice. Stay with it.

Schedule a Routine Appointment Now

Contact Imagine Smiles to set-up your regular check-up and cleaning with Dr. Green and his friendly team.  They are happy to show you the correct way to brush and floss. They know preventive dentistry is the best kind of dental care around.