Improve Your Brushing And Flossing With These Tips

Most of us brush and floss on automation without paying much attention to whether we’re doing it the right way. Many times, we brush our teeth quickly and rush off to work. As simple as it may seem, many of us brush the wrong way.

Visit an experienced dentist near you for advice on proper brushing and techniques.

How to Brush Correctly

• Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Toothbrushes come with different sizes of heads with different angles of the stem. While it’s alright to use a manual or a powered toothbrush, please use soft-bristled brushes to clean your teeth. They have flexible bristles that can clean your teeth better than hard bristles.

Many patients feel that hard bristles may be preferable for cleaning, but they wear down tooth structure. Ask your dentist in Jamaica Plain, MA, for recommended products.

• Avoid Scrubbing Too Hard

Many people scrub in a bid to ‘clean’ their teeth well. But this is not required as plaque is soft and loose. Scrubbing too hard may damage your tooth enamel and end up poking your gums. Use a massaging motion instead.

• Make Sure You Follow the 2/2 Rule

Pondside Dental Associates suggests using the 2/2 rule, which means brushing twice daily for 2 minutes each time. You can time yourself on your cell phone or brush for as long as your favorite song plays on your headset, usually 2-3 minutes. As far as possible, avoid cutting short your brushing time.

How to Floss Correctly

Floss Gently

Avoid rough and forceful flossing as your gums may start to bleed. Gentle flossing is enough to dislodge and remove plaque from the teeth.

Always Combine Flossing and Brushing

Flossing alone will not help clean out your teeth; it should be used with brushing. Please continue to brush twice a day and then floss for the best results.

Don’t Floss Too Frequently

Flossing once per day is good. Avoid overdoing it as it may irritate your gums.

Contact Pondside Dental Associates in Jamaica Plain, MA, for expert brushing and flossing tips.