While many people know that it is necessary to brush and floss their teeth daily for good oral health, many people do not know how to floss or brush their teeth properly. By practicing the correct brushing and flossing techniques, you can get better results and provide maximum protection against tooth and gum damage. Drs. Sheth, Furman, and De Leon want to help you get the most out of your dental care. When you visit AZ Dental, our dentists and team will help you know how to properly brush and floss your teeth in San Jose, California. If you have any questions, and to schedule your appointment, we welcome you to call us at 408-247-5500.
How to Floss Your Teeth
Flossing is key to maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. Dental floss has the ability to reach where your toothbrush cannot, particularly between your teeth and into the gum line. During your daily dental care routine, it is best to floss before brushing your teeth. Our dentists recommend flossing at least once a day, particularly at night; however, you may also benefit from flossing after every meal as well. To get the best flossing results, we recommend following these tips:
- 18 inches of floss is a typical amount to use. This is about the length of your arm from your fingertips to your elbow.
- Use 1-2 inches of floss, wrapping the rest around your middle fingers.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. This will make it easier to control the floss.
- Place the floss between your teeth and slide it up and down. Pull it around each side and continue to move it up and down.
- Be sure to floss all the way up the tooth and a little into the gum line. Be gentle during this process, as you can easily go too far into the gums and cause them to bleed.
- After each tooth, unwind the floss that is around your middle fingers and use a fresh strip of 1-2 inches for each tooth.
How to Properly Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth is an essential habit to keeping your smile beautiful and healthy for life. In accordance with the American Dental Association, we recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice day: once in the morning, and once before going to bed. You may also benefit from brushing after each meal, or several times a day. This will help keep sugars and harmful bacteria off your teeth throughout the day and provide better protection for your teeth. For proper brushing, just follow these simple tips:
- Toothbrushes with soft bristles are the best choice, as they will not aggravate your gums.
- Adults do not need more than a pea-size amount of toothpaste. Children need less.
- Brush in a circular motion, pointing your toothbrush 45 degrees upwards towards your gums.
- Be sure to get every side of your tooth: the front, back, and biting surface.
- Gently brush your tongue, as this is a great place for bacteria to hide out.
- Remember the 2×2 rule: brush twice a day for 2 minutes.
If you have any questions about how to properly brush and floss your teeth, we welcome you to call or visit our practice. We are happy to help you make the most of your at-home dental care!
