Did you know there are ways you can harm your teeth and gums while you brush and floss? Well, it’s true, which is why it’s important to properly clean your smile each and every day. To help you do so, our The Smile Studio dental team has happily provided the following instructions on how to properly brush and floss your teeth:
Brushing
Step 1: Make sure you have the safest and most effective tools for cleaning your smile. Those are a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. The soft bristles are preferred because they thoroughly clean the teeth and take good care of the gums. The fluoride toothpaste is preferred because the fluoride penetrates the tooth enamel and strengthens your smile.
Step 2: Cover the bristles with the paste and then hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline. Make sure to use just enough pressure to feel the bristles against the gums and between the teeth. This is important because if you use too much pressure, your gums can become irritated.
Step 3: Now it’s time to scrub your teeth. Use a gentle circular motion to scrub the inner, outer, and top surfaces of each tooth. Make sure you thoroughly clean each chomper and you brush for two minutes twice each day.
Step 4: When you are done brushing your teeth, don’t forget to brush your tongue. This will help you have a clean, fresh breath.
Flossing
Step 1: You can start your flossing routine by grabbing about 18 inches of floss. Then, wrap most of the floss around one of your middle fingers. Next, wrap the rest of the floss around the same finger on the other hand. Make sure you have about one inch of floss between each index finger. Try not to allow any slack.
Step 2: Take that inch of floss and clean between two of your teeth. To place the floss in the crevice, use a gentle sawing motion. Then, use the floss to scrape the sides of each tooth, removing the plaque and food particles that reside there.
Step 3: Once you get to the gumline, curve the floss along the tooth into a “C” shape. Then, slide the floss between the gumline and the base of the tooth. Thoroughly clean the area to prevent gum disease.
Step 4: After you’ve cleaned the gumline, remove the floss from the crevice and move onto the next space in your smile. Repeat this same process between each tooth—just make sure to use a clean section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.
To have an even cleaner smile, please remember to rinse your mouth daily and visit Dr. Chad Ellis for your six-month checkups. If you need to set up an appointment, call our office at 801-225-5594 and talk to a member of our dental team. We are happy to meet with you, clean your smile, and give you the tips you need to achieve the strong and healthy smile you deserve!
1375 E. 800 N., Suite 201, Orem, UT 84097