Brushing and Flossing in Dallas, TX
Brushing and flossing are both essential to remove debris such as food particles and plaque. It is important to incorporate flossing into our routine to ensure we are removing bacteria in between our teeth that is difficult to reach with brushing alone.
Poor oral hygiene habits may lead to heavy plaque and tartar build-up, which can contribute to gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis. The presence of bacteria in our mouths for long periods of time can cause red and inflamed gums (gum disease). Inadequate brushing and flossing also allows bacteria to colonize our teeth and cause tooth decay. For this reason, brushing and flossing are vital to our oral health.
To keep your mouth as clean as possible, Drs. Allen, Margolin, and Sadrkhani recommend that patients brush twice a day and floss every night. This simple routine will help promote healthy teeth and gums and ensure a beautiful smile for years to come.
Manual or Electric Toothbrush: Which is right for you?
In general, electric toothbrushes are more efficient at removing plaque and bacteria from teeth. While not everyone needs an electric toothbrush, we recommend them for anyone with periodontal disease, kids and teens, and those with handicaps or manual dexterity issues.
Many different brands are on the market; some use ultrasonic vibrations while others use an oscillating motion to remove plaque. The most important quality of an electric or sonic toothbrush is that it allows the user to brush passively and with less pressure. Ask us about our recommendations for electric toothbrushes the next time you visit our Dallas dental office!
Your Home Hygiene Routine
Brushing for at least two minutes twice daily allows you to be thorough, which is essential for effective plaque removal. Whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, hold it at the gum line with gentle pressure and take your time, allowing the toothbrush to do the work for you. Angle your brush slightly towards the tooth, making sure to contact both the tooth and the gumline. All surfaces of the tooth should be cleaned. Also make sure to brush your tongue daily.
When flossing, wrap the floss around our tooth into a "C" shape and carefully move in an up and down motion. This will enable you to remove plaque from between your teeth to prevent gingival inflammation and decay.
