Helping You Brush Better

How often do you brush your teeth, and are you doing so correctly? Daily care is essential for keeping your smile free of cavities and gum disease, whether you’re a kid or an adult. In today’s blog, your Newhall, CA, dentist will talk about better brushing and flossing habits, so you can help protect your smile from the comfort of your own home!

When to Clean Your Teeth

You should take time to clean your teeth when you first wake up, before you even have breakfast, and then once again right before going to bed. Each session should take at least two minutes! Doing so helps remove the particles from the foods and drinks you’ve consumed, preventing them from staying in place long enough for bacteria to break them down and cause plaque buildup and other complications. After all, routine care at home is essential for avoiding not just bad breath and stained teeth, but also cavities, infected teeth, gingivitis, and even gum disease.

Picking the Best Brush and Toothpaste for You

You can use electric or manual, just as long as whatever option you pick is being used for two minutes, twice a day. We suggest picking an option that has soft bristles. If you brush too rough, using hard or medium bristles could mean irritating the gums and causing them to recede, or weakening enamel to increase the risk of sensitivity and tooth decay. The toothpaste you choose matters as well. We suggest one that contains fluoride and has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance on the packaging. Try to avoid whitening toothpastes, as they could contain abrasive agents that remove stains, but also potentially damage enamel too.

When Should You Floss?

You should also floss every evening too! Flossing is important as you remove the bits of food and drink left between your teeth or along the gum line, often beyond the reach of a toothbrush’s bristles. The process is simple, take an 18-inch length of floss tape and wrap each end around one of your thumbs, and hold it taut with your index fingers. You can also use a floss pick. Run the tape up and down each side of every tooth, and dip below the gum line in a “c” motion to remove trapped particles. This helps lower the risk of cavities and gum issues. If you have any questions about caring for your smile each day, then contact our team today to learn more.

Do You Have Questions About Oral Hygiene?

Our team knows that daily care helps control plaque buildup and prevent cavities. Newhall Dental Arts wants to make sure you’re brushing and flossing correctly. Contact our Newhall, CA office at (661) 259-7760 to learn more about keeping your smile strong and bright from home.