How to Properly Brush & Floss

Maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime requires more than just regular dental visits. Your daily oral care routine plays a crucial role in achieving optimal oral health. At Dental Arts Rego Park, we are committed to empowering you with the knowledge and techniques necessary to care for your teeth and gums effectively.

Brushing Your Teeth

Our dental exams are not merely routine check-ups; they are thorough evaluations of your oral health. During a dental exam, our experienced team will perform a range of essential tasks, including:

⦁ Choose the Right Toothbrush
Select a toothbrush with soft, rounded-end bristles and a small head. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends electric toothbrushes with rotating or oscillating heads for superior cleaning.

⦁ Angle the Brush
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and teeth.

⦁ Use Gentle, Circular Motions
Apply small, circular motions to gently brush the gumline and teeth. Avoid applying too much pressure, as this can damage the gums and tooth enamel.

⦁ Brush all Tooth Surfaces
Ensure that you brush all surfaces of every tooth, including the cheek-side, tongue-side, and chewing surfaces. Pay special attention to the back teeth.

⦁ Brush the Tongue
Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove fungi, food particles, and debris that can contribute to bad breath.

Flossing

Flossing is a critical step in preventing periodontal disease and maintaining your oral health. Follow these flossing guidelines:

⦁ Use an 18-inch Piece of Floss
Cut a piece of dental floss to approximately 18 inches in length.

⦁ Wrap the Floss
Wind one end of the floss around the middle finger of your left hand and the other end around the middle finger of your right hand until your hands are 2-3 inches apart.

⦁ Work between Teeth
Gently guide the floss between your teeth toward the gumline.

⦁ Form a “C” shape
Curve the floss in a “C” shape around each individual tooth, carefully sliding it beneath the gumline.

⦁ Move up and down
Slide the floss up and down several times to remove interdental plaque and debris. Avoid snapping the floss between teeth, which can harm the gums.

Proper brushing and flossing are paramount for good oral hygiene. These simple yet essential practices help prevent tooth decay, periodontal disease, bad breath, and staining. By following these steps, you can maintain a healthy, radiant smile between your dental visits.