Without question, a proper oral health care routine involves brushing, rinsing with mouthwash, then finishing with flossing. Over the course of her career, Dr. Martina Reynolds has learned how to quickly recognize patients who commit to a thorough hygiene practice.
Developing effective oral care habits supports a proactive and consistent defense against bacteria and decay, benefiting the health and appearance of your smile. Below are some useful tips to guide your care practices.
Effective Brushing and Flossing
It’s recommended you brush teeth for at least two minutes. Using a circular motion ensures you reach the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Tilt the brush to a 45-degree angle around the gum line to remove any plaque beneath, and finish the process by gently brushing your tongue to diminish bacteria and freshen your breath.
Many consider flossing a hassle, which may be why so many forgo the process despite the positive impact it has on your gums. But when performed regularly, flossing is as easy and routine as brushing. Simply use enough floss and wrap the ends around a finger on each hand, and pull the floss tightly around each tooth. Push the floss between each tooth to the gum line, this will eliminate food debris and bacterial buildup. If the process is too difficult to reach certain teeth, consider using a water pick or flosser to simplify the process.
Consider Flossing Before Brushing
When first taught, most dental patients learned to start an at-home oral care routine by first brushing then rinsing, and completing the process by flossing. While this has proved effective, Dr. Reynolds wants patients to recognize the benefits of reversing the order of their care.
By flossing before brushing and rinsing, you effectively remove plaque and debris from between teeth, but brushing afterward clears away the loose particles. When food particles are removed prior, fluoride can work effectively to remineralize areas between teeth. Not all dental professionals feel it’s necessary for their patients to reverse the order of their hygienic routine. Many will recommend a floss-first approach if it helps those with a penchant for skipping out on flossing stay on the responsible path.
Contact Us in Midtown Today
Regardless of how your dentist feels about the order in which you conduct your oral care routine, the best advice Dr. Reynolds can offer dental patients is to floss and brush every day. If you have questions about your at-home hygiene techniques or want to schedule an appointment,
call our office today!