When it comes to the proper care of your teeth and protecting your oral health, you will need to keep up with routine care. Today, our Summerland dentists share some advice about how often you should brush and floss your teeth and when to see us for routine exams and cleaning.
Preventive hygiene plays an important role when it comes to maintaining good oral health. Routine visits to our dental office for professional cleanings should be combined with regular at-home dental care.
Brushing and flossing are vital for removing germs and plaque that can contribute to gum disease and tooth damage. Your dentist will remind you of this at each visit.
Our Summerland dentists will discuss how often you should brush and provide recommendations on good technique in this post.
Reliable Brushing & Flossing Techniques
Consistently using these procedures will lead you to achieve superb dental health.
Make sure to clean every surface of each tooth, including the chewing surface, the side facing the cheek, and the side facing the tongue. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and use a sweeping stroke. Sweep the top teeth downward. Reach your lower teeth with an upward sweeping motion. Brush the chewing surfaces in a back and forth motion.
Remember to brush your teeth for two minutes after every meal, making sure not to exceed four minutes. Remember to brush your teeth within 30 minutes of eating. It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day and make sure to do so before going to bed. Consider using a timer to make sure your brushing routine is long enough.
Make sure to floss your teeth daily, ideally before going to bed in the evening. Flossing helps eliminate food buildup and debris from the spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush can't reach. Place the floss string between your teeth and move it up and down along the sides of each tooth, creating a "c" shape in both directions. Make sure to thoroughly floss between each of your teeth.
Professional Dental Cleanings & Exams
It is crucial to maintain your oral health by scheduling a dental cleaning and checkup with your dentist every six months.
Your dentist possesses the necessary tools and expertise to effectively eliminate tartar and plaque buildup that cannot be adequately addressed through regular brushing and flossing at home.
Regular visits to the dentist allow for the early detection and treatment of dental issues, preventing them from worsening.
Early stages of cavities, gum disease, cysts, and even tumors are often undetectable to the untrained eye, including the patient's own eye. Regularly having a dental professional examine your mouth is crucial.