When you take time to brush your teeth, do you also remember to floss? Cleaning between each and every tooth could be the best way to avoid the onset of cavities and even gum disease. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist will discuss how to better care for your smile from home, so you enjoy bright and healthy teeth!
How Flossing Helps
Floss is critical to good oral health, and a major factor in the prevention of gum disease. You should take time to floss every evening before going to bed. We suggest taking an 18-inch to 20-inch length of tape, and wrapping each end around one of your thumbs. Next, hold it tight with your index fingers. Move the tape up and down each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line when you do. These actions remove trapped food particles, preventing bacteria from breaking them down and creating plaque buildup. You can adjust your grip on the tape to use a clean portion for each tooth.
Brushing Correctly
You also need to brush your teeth as well. Each session should take no less than two minutes, and involve the use of a fluoride toothpaste too. Fluoride has been shown to strengthen the protective layer of tooth enamel. Approach your teeth at a 45-degree angle, reaching the tops and sides. Clean the front with a crucial motion. Be sure you also brush your tongue and the gums as well. The toothbrush you pick is important too. Whether you opt for manual or electric, make sure it has soft bristles to prevent inadvertent enamel damage or gum recession.
A Dental Cleaning
The purpose of these daily actions is to prevent plaque buildup, a bacterial byproduct that cannot be removed with brushing and flossing. The buildup weakens outer enamel and inflames gum tissues, boosting the risk of both tooth decay and gum disease, as well as bad breath and teeth stains too. To completely remove all buildup, you should have a dental cleaning every six months. The process gently removes all buildup and allows you to leave with a brighter and healthier smile. We also have an opportunity to examine your smile for any signs of trouble, addressing problem areas in the earliest stages.
If you have any questions about care at home, or if you would like to schedule a visit soon, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About Avoiding Cavities and Poor Gum Health?
We would like to help people take the right steps to safeguard smiles. To learn more about how one can protect smiles with daily care, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
