Franklin 
Did anybody teach you how to brush and floss your teeth correctly? If you’re not confident in your hygiene techniques, you may be causing your mouth more harm than good. Problems like overly aggressive brushing, not using the right motions, and using abrasive products can permanently damage your gums and teeth. To keep your mouth in tip-top shape, a dentist in Tyler reveals what you should do when you brush and floss your teeth.
The Brushing Basics
Forming healthy habits like properly brushing your teeth every morning and night is most people’s first line of defense against oral health problems. The problem is, most people have never been shown how to brush correctly, allowing them to develop harmful habits like using vigorous back-and-forth motions that cause permanent gum damage. The American Dental Association recommends following these brushing basics:
- Angle your toothbrush at 45-degrees.
- Brush for two minutes, twice each day.
- Brush behind your teeth by positioning your toothbrush vertically.
- Replace your brush every three months or when the bristles begin to look frayed.
Using overly abrasive whitening toothpastes too frequently can cause enamel erosion, which leaves your teeth susceptible to increased sensitivity and cavities. Using too much force can also do the same thing. Plaque is a soft substance, so the natural pressure from having your thumb and two additional fingers on the toothbrush will be enough to remove the film from your teeth.
For added precaution, you could invest in a rotating or oscillating electric toothbrush that gently scrubs away plaque and food debris. Some of them will even stop moving if the improper amount of force is being used, preventing harmful effects from dental abrasion.
The Key To Fantastic Flossing
You may be surprised to know that many people skip flossing because they don’t feel it’s a necessary step in their oral hygiene routine. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released an official statement reaffirming that flossing is a vital part of maintaining good oral health. There are crevices between your teeth that can trap plaque and food particles, creating the perfect environment for harmful oral bacteria to collect. Your toothbrush won’t be able to reach these areas, making dental floss a key defense against cavities.
If the act of winding dental floss around your fingers and positioning your hands over your mouth is inconvenient and difficult for you, there are multiple flossing alternatives available. Nowadays, there are flossing picks and water flossers that are a great option for people with limited mobility. In fact, water flossers come highly recommended by dental professionals and can easily wash away collected debris.
During your routine checkup and cleaning with your dentist in Tyler, don’t hesitate to ask if they would recommend using certain oral hygiene products or techniques. With a more efficient and effective routine, you can keep common problems at bay and keep your smile healthy and happy for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Donna Franklin-Pitts went to dental school at Howard University in Washington D.C. She is passionate about providing her patients with individualized dental treatments that optimize their oral health. She enjoys getting to know and care for patients of all ages and teaching them the techniques they need to know to keep their smiles healthy. For questions or to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning, visit Franklin Dental Center’s website or call 903-593-2330.