Improving How You Brush And Floss

cleveland brushing and flossing

When you take time to brush and floss every day, you lower your risk of issues like tooth decay and gum disease. However, that is only if you’re using the toothbrush and floss the right way. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist will discuss how you and your family should brush and floss to keep smiles strong and healthy.

Brushing Your Teeth

You should clean your teeth when you wake up, it should be the first thing you do each morning. You also need to brush again at night before bed. Each session should take about two minutes. We recommend using a toothbrush with soft bristles, whether you use an electric or manual one. If you brush too rough with hard or medium bristles, you risk inadvertent enamel damage. Also, be sure your toothpaste contains fluoride. This ingredient helps reduce your cavity risk by strengthening the outer enamel. Approach your teeth at a 45-degree angle, so you reach the tops and sides of them at once. Also, clean the front of your teeth with a circular motion.

Flossing

You should floss every evening as well. This removes what a toothbrush alone cannot. You can use a pick, water flosser, or tape, whichever is more comfortable. Kids often have an easier time with the picks. With the tape, take a 20-inch length and wrap each around one of your thumbs, and hold it tight with your index fingers. Then run the tape up and down each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line when you do. This is a great way to prevent gingivitis and gum disease!

Dental Cleanings

The actions above help limit the severity of plaque and tartar buildup, a major factor in fighting cavities, infection, gingivitis, gum disease, teeth stains, and bad breath. But to remove the buildup completely, you need to see us every six months for a cleaning. The cleaning involves using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to break up and remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. We then polish the teeth for a brighter appearance and smoother finish.

If you have any questions about how to care for your smile from home, or if you would like to schedule your next dental cleaning visit, then contact our team today to learn more.

Do You Have Questions About Proper Homecare?

Our team understands that better care at home could help prevent issues like tooth decay and gum disease. If you would like to better understand the care needed to keep smiles healthy and strong, then schedule a consultation today by contacting Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.