Brush & Floss
Brushing and flossing are important components of your oral hygiene routine. Tooth decay and gum disease are prevented through the maintenance of good oral hygiene.
Brushing Technique
Important points to remember while brushing include:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. An electric toothbrush may also be used.
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and move the brush in a back and forth motion, gently.
- Brush the outer side of teeth followed by the inner side and then the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- Move the tip of the brush in an up-and-down motion to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth.
- Use disclosing tablets, at regular periods, to reveals any plaque left on your teeth
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or earlier, if the bristles begin to fray out
Flossing Technique
Flossing is essential to remove the accumulated plaque (sticky substance that forms on the teeth) between your teeth. You may notice some bleeding in your gums during flossing, which usually improves with continued flossing as the gums become tighter.
Follow these steps to floss your teeth:
- Floss your teeth at least once a day
- Cut 18 inches of dental floss and wind it around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the middle finger of the other (Finger Wrap Method)
- Hold the floss between the thumbs and forefingers and insert it between the teeth, toward the gums
- Curve the floss into a U shape against each tooth and gently slide it below the gum line.
- Move the floss mildly up and down to scrape off the plaque
- For flossing upper teeth, use 12 inches’ floss and tie the ends together to form a loop (Circle or Loop Method)
Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, bad oral odour, accumulation of tooth stains, reduce the need for fillings or other expensive treatment, and can help improve the overall health of your body.
Brush and floss regularly, eat a well-balanced diet, and visit your dentist for regular dental check-ups, to maintain a good dental health. Your teeth may last you a lifetime if you practice basic dental care.