Each dental practice has its specializations when it comes to oral care. Even so, they have one thing in common. Dental practices provide valuable brushing and flossing tips. The aim of doing so is to guide patients as they go about their personal oral hygiene practices.
Plaque transforms into tartar in 24-36 hours. When it comes to removing stubborn plaque and food particles, flossing is an effective technique. A thorough dental practice usually reminds patients about finishing their daily oral hygiene ritual by flossing. The right way to floss starts with getting the proper length of dental floss, which should be about 18 inches. Wrapping each end of the floss around the middle and index fingers allows good control. Leaving two inches of taut dental floss between the hands makes it easier to floss deeper into the mouth.
Once the floss slides between teeth, it must wrap into the shape of a “C” around a tooth’s base. Rubbing the dental floss across the tooth’s gumline dislodges adhering plaque. Repeating this motion two to three times can do the job. Every side of each tooth should have a run of floss, including the back of the molars. Unraveling a clean part of the floss line for each tooth prevents the transfer of particles and bacteria.
Disposing of the used dental floss is important. It should be rolled up and then disposed of in the garbage can. Flushing the floss into the toilet might cause clogging. Gargling with mouthwash or water after flossing helps flush out the clinging particles and bacteria.
Brushing after flossing dislodges more food particles and bacteria from the corners of teeth. Doing this at least two times daily can prevent tooth decay and periodontal diseases. The toothbrush should be at a 45-degree angle to the teeth. Its bristles should touch the teeth and gums at this angle. Proper brushing should not be back-and-forth. It should happen in a circular, gentle up-and-down direction similar to what happens in a dental practice.
Many people brush their teeth hard, believing that it will remove more food particles and bacteria. Brushing hard or scrubbing only pushes food particles into hard-to-reach corners. It also makes the gums recede more. When gum recession takes place, bacteria gain a larger opportunity to destroy teeth through parts that are unprotected by enamel. One such vulnerable part is the dental root. Gentle brushing for two to three minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush is ideal.
Dental visits enhance your oral health. When you return to your home, you resort to using the flossing and brushing habits that you have learned all your life. All that is fine, but there is always room for improvement. With the tips mentioned, you can floss and brush properly. Adopting the tips from your dental practice can make oral health a tangible reality.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Practice in Columbia, SC
Request an appointment or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at 803-567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
Flossing is an essential oral hygiene habit, and your dental practice can show you the right way to do it. The process can dislodge bits of plaque and food stuck between the teeth. That reduces the plaque and bacteria buildup, preventing cavities and decay. Many people brush the teeth, but flossing is not as common.…
Many times, a dental practice will recommend avoiding smoking because of the negative effect on the teeth. Smoking can lead to many dental issues. Having a healthy smile is critical, but smoking can reduce the patient’s ability to do so. Keep reading to learn more about tobacco and the teeth.Tobacco and smoking can stain the…
It is easy to put off dental practice visits with the excuse that there is too much to do to make visits regularly. However, if your schedule is too busy for regular visits, it might be time to rethink some things. Patients should visit at least every six months. However, some might need to go…
Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health, our general dentist. You see, the dentist is responsible for much of the work that goes into our mouths, and without them, most of us would be at a loss as to what to do to protect our teeth, tongue,…
A denture repair should be your top priority when your denture breaks or becomes damaged. This prosthetic device fills out all the empty spaces in your mouth. It is crucial to care for your denture since the missing teeth can compromise your eating habits, speech, and appearance. This dental device is durable enough to handle…