Top Techniques for Proper Brushing and Flossing

Top Techniques for Proper Brushing and Flossing

December 14, 2020

Effective oral hygiene begins at home and prevents decay, cavities, and gum disease. While all patients are aware of the importance of brushing and flossing, most of us tend to rush through the process due to hectic schedules. However, inadequate brushing and poor flossing can leave parts of the oral cavity more prone to decay.

Westbay Dental offers a range of modern dental care solutions, including decay and cavity treatments, for patients of all ages.

Four Steps for Better Brushing

  1. Gently grip your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth surface but avoid squishing the bristles against the teeth. You should feel just enough pressure from the bristles but don’t move the toothbrush aggressively.
  2. Make sure you brush the inner as well as outer surfaces of the teeth and brush along the gum line, which is a common area where food particles and debris get trapped.
  3. Use short, circular strokes to brush on the inner side of the teeth and brush each quadrant of your oral cavity for 50 seconds; you should brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day.
  4. Once you finish brushing your teeth, go ahead and clean the tongue too. Move the toothbrush from the back to the tip but don’t press too hard as this may trigger a gag reflex.

Brushing your tongue helps remove bacteria that accumulate in the tiny bumps and grooves on the tongue’s surface.

Westbay Dental Offers Top Flossing Tips

You should floss your teeth after meals or preferably before bedtime. Regular flossing prevents the onset of gum disease.

  • Use a clean, 18-inch piece of floss and curve it into a c-shape around the side of each tooth. Please make sure you use a clean piece of flossing thread for each tooth.
  • To floss the back teeth, keep your cheeks and oral cavity flexible. If you tighten your cheek, you will be unable to reach the rear teeth.
  • Remember to floss near the gum line.

Please contact Dr. Sorelle or Dr. Boe for our reliable dental care services near you.

Get your beautiful smile today! We are offering general & cosmetic dental treatments around the area Tampa, FL:

No Credit Check Payment Plan
Click to listen highlighted text!