Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day.
Flossing and brushing your teeth are important parts of a good oral hygiene regimen. Regular brushing and flossing will make your teeth healthier and stronger by eradicating bacteria that cause cavities, as well as removing food particles that can attract cavities. Both brushing and flossing are equally important to dental hygiene, and most dentists recommend that people floss every time they brush, or at least once a day.
Good dental hygiene is essential to maintain a healthy smile.
Your teeth should be brushed at least twice a day or after every meal. Your dentist can instruct you on proper brushing techniques, which are designed to clean all of your teeth. Several companies make toothbrush products designed to help consumers with their brushing, including angled toothbrushes and toothbrushes that use ultrasound technology. An important tip is to replace your toothbrush regularly.
Flossing regularly is part of a good oral hygiene routine.
Flossing reaches areas that a toothbrush can’t reach. Dental floss is more flexible and can be used to go to the gum line between the teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing with 18 inches (45 centimeters) of dental floss. This allows the flosser to use a clean section of floss on each tooth.
Flossing should be done carefully, because aggressive flossing can cut the gums. Gently press the floss along the side of each tooth and move it back and forth, as well as up and down, to dislodge embedded material. When you’re done, move on to a clean section of floss and start on the next tooth.
Brushing and flossing your teeth reduces the risk of gum disease and other related health problems. In addition to improving the smell of your breath, good oral hygiene will make you feel better. Taking good care of your teeth can also reduce discolorations caused by food and drink. It will also reduce the risk of developing a cavity, which is a painful dental infection that requires intervention by a dentist.
Diseases of the mouth and gums are called periodontal disease, because they surround (perio) the (dontal) teeth. Periodontal disease can cause painful gum infections to a lesser extent and more systemic health problems, including heart disease in other cases. Systemic infection is caused by bacteria in the gums moving through the rest of the bloodstream.
Because oral health is such an important part of overall health, taking good care of your teeth is essential. In addition to brushing and flossing daily, regular visits to the dentist are recommended. Your dentist can further clean your teeth with professional equipment, as well as identify areas of your mouth that need more careful monitoring or attention.