Dr Michael Smith D.M.D.

How Often Should I Brush and Floss My Teeth

Cleaning your teeth goes a long way in keeping them healthy and strong.  Brushing and flossing your teeth can greatly help to control the bacteria and the plaque that cause diseases. Plaque is a film of bacteria, debris, and saliva that sticks to the gums and the teeth.   Apart from converting certain food particles into acids that lead to tooth decay, if plaque is not removed it begins to destroy the gums and bones causing periodontal disease.  Since plaque growth and formation is a continuous process, it can only be controlled by regular flossing, brushing, and regular dental visits. But how often should I brush and floss my teeth?

How to brush and clean your teeth well

You should thoroughly brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush at least two times a day.  The brush should suitably fit the shape of your teeth and mouth and should be replaced after every few months.  To clean the inner and the outer surfaces, of all your teeth, you need to stroke back and forth up and down.  To brush the inside front of your teeth, make sure you use the tip of the brush head.

Also, clean your tongue to freshen your breath and to remove the bacteria that might be lingering.  It’s highly recommended to use electric brushes since they are easy to clean and can help remove the bacteria effectively.  You just need to put its bristles on your teeth and gums and allow it to do the job.

How to floss your teeth

When it comes to flossing your teeth you need to take it easy.  Although you need to be thorough, you don’t have to be too aggressive at first. Ideally, flossing your teeth should not hurt.  While at first, it may be little uncomfortable, it should be comfortable once you know how to do it well. Here are few tips to help you get the most benefits out of flossing your teeth:

·Take an 18-inch thread and wrap it around your middle fingers

·Hold it against your teeth in a  C shape and rub the inside well

·Instead of pushing the floss into the gums, gently rub it between the teeth

·As you move along unroll it so that you always have a fresh strip on each tooth

·If you have difficulty using conventional floss then it’s recommended that you use floss holders.

Visit the dentist

Apart from forming good daily leaning habits, it’s also important to organize for a professional cleaning.  These cleanings are usually done by professional dentists at their office. This type of tooth cleaning can remove the hard deposits that daily cleaning cannot be able to remove.  If you have healthy teeth, you should have them professionally cleaned at least once every year. But if you have a specific health concern then you should schedule these cleanings more often.

Wrap up

Brushing and flossing your teeth is a low tech process that you can comfortably do at home every day.  If you can remember to clean your teeth then you don’t have any reason not to floss. Just make sure you incorporate both brushing and flossing into your regular habits. Also, do not forget to rinse your mouth with water after meals or after brushing.