Best Brushing And Flossing Techniques

Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Flossing is an essential part of the oral hygiene process. It helps remove debris and plaque from between the teeth, which cannot be removed by brushing alone. Flossing should be done at least once a day. As per the Modesto, CA, dentist, flossing at night is a better choice than flossing in the morning because it helps remove plaque that has built up overnight. 

Brushing Technique

Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth, and brush gently in circular motions. Use short strokes to brush your teeth and longer strokes for the outside surfaces of your back teeth. Be sure to brush your tongue for fresh breath! Here are a few brushing techniques by the Modesto, CA, dentist.

• Remember to brush twice a day for two minutes each time. This will get you the best results for your dental health.
• If you struggle to maintain good brushing habits, try setting a timer on your phone or alarm. This will help remind you when it’s time to boost your oral health routine.
• You should also replace your toothbrush every three months to help make sure your bristles are in the best shape possible to clean your teeth. That way, you’re always doing the best job you can to keep your smile bright and healthy.

Flossing Technique

Proper flossing technique is incredibly important to your oral health. To properly floss, use about 18 inches of dental floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Gently slide the floss between your teeth and along the gumline until you meet resistance from your gums. Then, gently curve the floss into a C shape against one tooth and gently clean the tooth surfaces. Repeat this method on all teeth in your mouth. 

If you experience bleeding while flossing, you may be doing it wrong. If you are pushing too hard on the floss or wrapping it around your pointer finger more than once, you could wind up harming your gums. To avoid injury, be sure to floss gently and only use a clean section of floss between every single pair of teeth. Additionally, make sure you are flossing correctly and not snapping the floss too forcefully against the gums. This could cause injury or damage to the teeth and gums. If bleeding persists after a couple of days of careful flossing, contact your Modesto, CA, dentist for professional cleanings and oral exams.

While brushing and daily oral rinses are a solid way to maintain optimal oral health, flossing is still a vital step in keeping your mouth clean and cavity-free. 

If you have questions about how to care for your smile—or if you need to schedule your next checkup and cleaning—please call our Modesto, CA, dental office today. We are always happy to help.