Brush and Floss Your Way to Healthier Teeth and Gums

Keeping your teeth clean through diligent at-home care is an important part of preventive dentistry.  Following a few simple steps can be the key to a cleaner mouth. 

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with ADA approved fluoride toothpaste.  You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or even sooner if the ends become worn.  Cleaning between your teeth and the gum line is imperative: to do this, floss or use an inter-dental cleaner to clean out bacteria and plaque that lingers in areas your toothbrush can't reach. 

Eating a balanced diet is also important, as sugary foods lead to the additional accumulation of plaque.  It is important to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and oral exams. 

What is plaque and why should you remove it from your teeth by brushing and flossing?  Plaque is a biofilm produced by acid secreting bacteria.  The sticky biofilm forms a protective layer for the bacteria.  After a meal, the bacteria digests the sugar and secretes acid that weakens the enamel layer of your teeth and can eventually cause cavities. 

Since this acid is produced from the food you eat, it is better for your teeth to eat less often than to snack frequently, as frequent snacking leads to repeated acid production.  If this plaque is not removed it becomes mineralized and hardens, forming calculus (tarter).  When plaque and tarter are left behind it causes irritation to your gums, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis.

The most effective way to remove plaque is to brush your teeth correctly. Here are some pointers on how to do so:

• Brush your teeth while holding your toothbrush at 45-degree angle against your gums.
• Move the toothbrush back and forth in gentle, short strokes over one tooth at a time.  The key word here is gentle.  More pressure doesn't equal a better job when it comes to brushing your teeth.  Too much pressure can actually be a bad thing. 
• Make sure you brush all surfaces of the tooth, which includes the front, back (inside) and the chewing surface.  Too many people brush only the front of the tooth and ignore the backside of the tooth.  To brush the inside surface of your teeth tilt the toothbrush vertically and make several strokes back and forth. 
• Don't forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria; this will help freshen your breath.

• Remove 18 inches of floss and wind the majority of it around your middle finger. 
• Wind the remaining floss around your other middle finger, this will be used to take up the dirty floss as needed.  Hold the floss between your thumb and forefinger for guidance.  
• Now as you begin to guide the floss between your teeth, use a gentle rubbing motion.  Be careful not to snap the floss.  
• It is important to bring the floss between the gum and tooth. As you do this, curve the floss into a C shape against one tooth. Gently rub the side of tooth with the floss in an up and down motion.  
• Repeat this motion between every tooth in your mouth including the backside of your last teeth.

Ideally, you should brush after every time you eat. If you can't, twice a day is a must. Brushing and flossing is not only important in preventing cavities, but also in keeping your gums healthy by preventing gingivitis and periodontitis. 

The aforementioned guidelines are general recommendations, and if your dentist has suggested something different from my advice, continue with their treatment because they know your teeth best.