Bacteria can live in your mouth in the form of plaque, causing cavities and gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. In order to keep your mouth clean, you must practice good oral hygiene every day.
How do I brush and floss my teeth?
The American Dental Association recommends the following techniques for brushing and flossing your teeth:
Brushing
• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
• Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Flossing
• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand. Hold the floss tightly
between your thumbs and forefingers.
• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
• Bring the floss back toward the contact point between the teeth and move the floss up or down the other side, conforming the floss to the shape of the tooth.
• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions.
• Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.
Is there anything else I can use to clean my mouth?
A mouth rinse, in addition to daily brushing and flossing, can increase the cleanliness of your mouth. Antimicrobial mouth rinses reduce bacteria and plaque activity, which cause gingivitis and gum disease. Fluoride mouth rinses also help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Always talk Dr. Ngo about any new products you are interested in trying.
Not everyone should use a fluoride mouth rinse. For instance, fluoride rinses are not recommended for children ages 6 or younger because they may swallow them. Always check the manufacturer’s label for precautions and age recommendations and talk with Dr. Ngo about the use of fluoride mouth rinse.
For more oral health tips, talk to Dr. Ngo or visit KnowYourTeeth.com. Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
Focus Dental is conveniently located on the corner of Jupiter Rd and Campbell Rd in the Campbell Park Shopping Center at 3443 W Campbell Rd, Ste 650 Garland, TX 75044. So if you are in the Garland, Richardson, Dallas, Plano, Murphy, Sachse, Wylie or surrounding areas in Texas we can help you with your family’s anxiety-free dentistry, fillings, braces, dentures, dental implants, and cosmetic dental needs.