3 Tips To Improve Your Brushing and Flossing
Although brushing and flossing are daily activities, you must do it right to get the maximum benefit from it. Our friendly dental team at Wellesley Dental Arts is always happy to explain to patients how to brush and floss correctly.
1. Select the Right Tools for Brushing and Flossing
It’s always better to choose toothbrushes with soft bristles and replace them every two months when the bristles become worn. Our dentist in Wellesley does not recommend hard-bristled toothbrushes as they damage tooth enamel. You can use waxed or un-waxed floss or use an interdental toothbrush to clean between teeth.
Some patients also prefer dental tape as it has a broader surface area than toothbrushes. It’s best to use toothpaste with added fluoride as it offers added protection against cavities.
Are you looking for premium dental services? Contact Wellesley Dental Arts for preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry near you.
2. Super Tips for Better Brushing
Follow these tips to get a beautiful smile every morning:
- Hold your toothbrush at an angle to your teeth and use a massaging movement to brush the inner and outer teeth surfaces
- Avoid pressing or scrubbing too hard or squishing the bristles
- Brush with short, circular strokes and brush close to the gum line
- Gently brush your tongue to the back as this helps remove bacteria that cause bad breath
- Clean the front teeth by using up and down strokes of the toothbrush
3. Brush Up on Your Flossing Techniques
Take about 18 inches of floss and curl most of it around your middle fingers. With the other hand, use about one inch and perform a sawing movement around every tooth.
You may feel resistance when you encounter the gum line. Loop the floss around the sides of the tooth and gently clean around the teeth as you work your way up from the gum line. Your gums may bleed a little or feel sore if you have flossed after a long time, but the discomfort will disappear soon.
Our team at Wellesley Dental Arts is happy to address all your oral concerns.