How often should I be brushing, and for how long?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes in duration. Many people don’t brush for that amount of time, so a good technique is to sing a song in your head from beginning to end (or listen to one), which should keep you brushing long enough.
Here are more tips from the ADA about how to brush:
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums
- Move the brush back and forth gently in short, tooth-wide strokes
- Brush the outer and inner tooth surfaces, as well as the chewing surfaces
- Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surface of the front teeth
Do I really need to floss?
Yes. No matter how well you brush, there are often particles that get stuck between your teeth that brushing does not remove. Floss gets into those hard-to-reach places.
Plaque often builds up between your teeth, where brushing doesn’t reach it. That sneaky plaque buildup can irritate your gums, make them sensitive, and cause bleeding when you brush. As plaque continues to build, you can end up with gum disease.
As gum disease progresses, bacteria grow in pockets under your gum line and can destroy the bone beneath your teeth, leading to tooth loss. Flossing is therefore essential for preventing gum disease. Dr. Visot or one of his staff hygienists can show you the right way to floss during your next office visit.
Is there anything else I can do to keep my mouth clean?
A mouth rinse can help keep your mouth clean and your breath fresh, especially an antimicrobial mouth rinse which kills bacteria. A fluoride rinse can also prevent tooth decay. You should discuss the products you use with Dr. Visot because not all of them are equally effective.
Are teeth cleanings at the dentist’s office really important?
Absolutely! You should have a professional dental cleaning at Dr. Visot’s office every six months. Our dental hygienists perform these cleanings, which are essential to maintaining your dental health. Your hygienist conducts a thorough tooth cleaning, removes plaque and stains, and polishes your teeth.
The hygienist may also apply sealants, which prevent plaque buildup on the surface of your back teeth. The hygienist also conducts an oral cancer screening and evaluates the health of your gum tissue.
If you need X-rays to check your teeth for hidden cavities and determine if problems are developing below your gum line, the hygienist does those, too.
