Everyone knows they should brush and floss their teeth, but not everyone knows or remembers the specifics. Sure, your Parkcrest Dental Group dentist told you a few months ago, but you were busy or stressed that day. We understand. Habits aren’t formed overnight, and sometimes we need to motivate and reacquaint ourselves with the reasons and procedures we hope to incorporate into our daily routine. Parkcrest Dental Group wants to help you get to brushing twice a day. We also want you to dust off that floss, and we’re going to share with you some of our reasoning.
Brushing your teeth multiple times a day helps keep your teeth sparkly white and free of bacteria. This reduces the risk of gum disease and decaying teeth, which in turn reduces the need for cosmetic dentistry procedures.
If you must only brush twice or once (please, no!), make sure you brush your teeth in the morning. Many people believe it wise to brush after eating, but this is not true. You better protect your teeth by brushing before eating because your toothbrush can increase sensitivity and cause abrasions. So please brush at least once before bed and once when you’re awake. Parkcrest Dental Group encourages you to brush once more throughout the day, but we understand how difficult of a task that can be.
Parkcrest Dental Group always encourages flossing because so many people neglect this aspect of their oral hygiene. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from between your teeth. If left to grow, this plaque causes weakness in your roots and could lead to a deterioration of the bones in your jaw as well.
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.
Brush gently in a circular motion.
Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.
Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.
Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.
Holding the floss tightly, gently saw it between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.
Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.
The dentists at Parkcrest Dental Group care about your oral hygiene. We are dentists in Springfield, MO, committed to whiter, straighter, and healthier teeth. Come on in and get your teeth cleaned by a Parkcrest Dental Group dentist.