Brushing and Flossing: The Right Way to Do It

Brushing and flossing your teeth are critical components of preventative care, as are twice-a-year dental exams and professional cleanings. Your trusted team at High Street Dentistry is here to provide you with outstanding preventative dentistry services and advice on the best oral hygiene practices for long-term healthy smiles.

The Importance of Brushing and Flossing

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes, helps remove bacteria and plaque, which are the primary causes of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath (halitosis). Flossing daily helps remove the plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush cannot reach. Otherwise, the plaque would harden to tartar, which only professional cleaning can remove.

What Is the Right Way to Brush?

Use a soft toothbrush with rounded bristles sized and shaped to where you can reach your back teeth. Replace your toothbrush when the bristles wear about every two months.

Place your toothbrush against your gumline at a 45-degree angle. Brush your teeth’s inner and outer surfaces gently using a scrubbing motion, and short, circular strokes. Brush the chewing surfaces straight on. Tilt the toothbrush vertically and make gentle up-and-down strokes to clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth. Don’t neglect to brush your tongue to remove any odor-causing bacteria. Remember to be gentle to avoid damaging your gums.

What Is the Right Way to Floss?

Wrap the ends of an 18-inch strand of floss around a finger on each of your hands, leaving approximately two inches of floss in between. Glide the floss strand between your teeth with a gentle sawing motion. You may feel some resistance when the floss reaches the gumline. Gently curve the strand into a C against each tooth and scrape the sides while moving the floss away from the gums. If you haven’t flossed in a while, your gums may bleed or feel sore, but after a few days, you’ll eliminate the built-up bacteria allowing for comfortable flossing.

Quality Preventative Dentistry Near Me

If you haven’t already done so, contact High Street Dentistry in Jefferson City, MO, to schedule a dental exam and cleaning. Visits to our office every six months for preventative care will help keep your smile clean and healthy. Call us today!