Proper Brushing Techniques

Are you an avid brusher, or floss at your own convenience? We're not here to scold you, or critique your own personal hygiene techniques, we're simply here to assist and educate all our patients. Here is an educational update on proper daily oral hygiene care:

Brush at least twice daily, for 2-4 minutes. When brushing, position the brush at a 45 degree angle where gums meet the teeth, gently using circular strokes, repeating several times. Use light pressure while brushing the outer area of the teeth, and then use the same technique while cleaning the inside of the back of your teeth. It's important to clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower frontals, holding the brush vertically, as plaque can easily build up in this area. Make several back and forth strokes, and don't neglect the surrounding gum area. Lastly, you'll clean the biting surface of your chompers. Use short gentle strokes, while changing the positon of your brush as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. You should brush while looking at your reflection in the mirror, so you can be sure you've properly cleaned each area. Rinse your mouth with water when you're finished, to remove any plaque you may have loosened while brushing.

Flossing:
Periodontal disease commonly forms in the areas of your teeth that you can't reach with your brush. Flossing is an effective easy way to remove plaque from these areas. You probably won't become a flossing expert overnight- the technique takes practice to master, so try giving this technique a try, and you should see proven results. Start with a piece of waxed floss 18" long, lightly wrapping the majority of the floss around one of your middle fingers. Wrap the remaining floss around the middle finger on the opposite hand. For the upper teeth, hold floss lightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand, while gently inserting floss between teeth, using a back and forth motion. Bring the floss to the gum line, then curve it against a tooth in a C shape. Slide floss in between the gum and tooth until you feel light resistance, then move it up and down on the side of one tooth. Remember to clean both sides of the tooth, and be careful not to cut the gum tissue between teeth. Rotate floss to use a fresh section when floss becomes soiled. When you are finished, rinse your mouth vigorously to remove plaque and food that may have loosened while flossing. During the first week of flossing, you may experience sore gums, or a little bleeding, while you're learning the proper flossing technique. If your gums hurt, you could be flossing too hard, and if you keep up the regular routine, bleeding and soreness should stop.