In between your six-month checkup and cleaning visits, you need to care for your smile to lower the risk of serious plaque and tartar buildup. Otherwise, this could leave your smile vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. In today’s blog, your Katy, TX, dentist talks about how to properly brush and floss your teeth!
Proper Toothbrushing Techniques
You should approach your teeth at a 45-degree angle so you can clean the front and tops of them, and you should clean the front with crucial motions. You want to not only clean the fronts of your teeth, but along the gum line too. You can choose an electric or a manual toothbrush, as both are effective if used properly. The toothpaste you choose matters too. Kids three and younger should use a rice sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, while everyone over the age of three needs a pea sized amount. Be sure you clean your teeth in the morning and evening for two minutes each session.
Flossing Each Evening
To help fight tooth decay and gingivitis, you also need to clean between your teeth in the evening before you brush the second time. Using a floss pick or tape, clean up and down each side of every tooth, and dip beneath the gum line each time too. This extracts trapped particles to fight periodontal concerns, as well as bad breath and teeth stains too. Kids should start flossing as soon as they have teeth sitting next to one another, and this is beneficial for adults and seniors too.
Dental Cleanings
Every six months, you should see us for a professional dental cleaning too. While brushing and flossing can limit how much plaque accumulates on your teeth, a dental cleaning is the only way to completely remove these layers, fighting serious oral health issues in the process. Our team will gently and thoroughly remove all plaque and tartar with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool. The process only takes a few short minutes, but is crucial for optimal oral health and beautiful smiles. If you have the warning signs of concerns like gingivitis and gum disease, then our team could offer a deep cleaning.
If you have any questions about how to brush and floss your teeth properly, or about the importance of a routine cleaning every six months, then contact our team today to learn more.
Speak With Your Katy, TX, Dentist About Daily Oral Hygiene
With the right steps, you and your family can help safeguard your smiles from issues like tooth decay and gum inflammation! For more information on the proper care your smile needs, please call Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at (832) 437-3849 to schedule a visit.
