Oral hygiene is crucial for your dental and overall health and wellness. It enhances your physical and mental well-being, to boost your confidence and self-esteem. This can be effectively achieved through a dedicated oral hygiene regimen that involves regular brushing and flossing.
The Woodbridge periodontist and their team of dental specialists help educate patients about the correct brushing and flossing techniques at home to enhance their effectiveness in good oral health promotion.
Why is good oral health crucial?
Oral hygiene is all about keeping your teeth and supporting structures clean, and free from decay, and other infections. Of all the oral hygiene habits, brushing and flossing are the most important practices. These habits form the pillars of good oral health.
Oral care is vital to your overall health and physical, and emotional well-being. These practices can prevent the onset of dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease, leading to several systemic health issues.
What is the correct brushing technique?
According to the ADA (American Dental Association), you are advised to use a soft-bristled, and small-headed toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. It is recommended to brush twice daily once in the morning, and once before bedtime. Currently, you have several options in the market such as electric toothbrushes that have successfully replaced traditional manual toothbrushes.
Follow the below brushing technique:
- Place the brush at a 45-degree angle where the gums and teeth meet
- Use circular motions to brush the teeth and gum line
- Brush all the surfaces of the teeth
- Use back-and-forth motions to clean the chewing surfaces
- Do not forget to brush your tongue to remove food debris and fungi
How should you floss correctly at home?
Flossing is used in conjugation with brushing to remove plaque from the interdental regions (between the teeth) where a regular brush cannot reach. It also reduces the risk of periodontal disease, limiting the depth of the gingival pocket
The ADA suggests the following flossing technique:
- Take a piece of floss measuring 18 inches long
- Wrap one end of the floss around the middle finger of your left hand
- Wrap the other end around the middle finger of the right hand
- Make sure that both hands are 2 to 3 inches apart
- Work the floss gently between your teeth in an up-and-down direction
- Repeat this 4 to 5 times gently
For a healthy oral cavity and a beautiful smile, you must inculcate good oral hygiene habits. Investing in your oral health and hygiene can help improve your overall well-being in the long run.
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