While brushing your teeth may not sound like a complicated task, there are right and wrong ways to brush. Brushing the wrong way or not frequently enough can be nearly as detrimental to your teeth as failing to brush at all. A proper oral care routine involves brushing several times per day to maintain the health and function of your smile. Read on for more tips on how to properly brush your teeth.

What Toothbrush Should I Use?

Today's consumers have many toothbrushes on the market to choose from. Your toothbrush should fit your mouth and reach all areas easily. You can discuss which might be right for you with your dentist. However, many recommend soft-bristle electric toothbrushes to get the job done.

Be sure to replace your toothbrush (or the toothbrush head if you are using an electric toothbrush) every 3 or 4 months, or sooner if there are frayed bristles. Remember that a worn-down toothbrush won't do a very good job of cleaning your teeth.

Whatever toothbrush you choose, the important thing is that you use the toothbrush at least 2 to 3 times per day. You want to brush often and for a long enough time period. In fact, dentists recommend that you spend 2-3 minutes each time you brush in order to completely get rid of any plaque that might accumulate in hard-to-reach areas.

Proper Brushing Techniques

Proper tooth brushing techniques include:

• Placing the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums
• Gently moving the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes
• Brushing all surfaces of the teeth (outer, inner, the chewing surfaces)
• For cleaning the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt your brush vertically and make several gentle up-and-down strokes

Frequently Asked Questions about Teeth Brushing

How Often Do I Need to Brush My Teeth?

The most effective action you can take to prevent harmful plaque from forming on your teeth and gums is to brush your teeth. Removing the debris from your teeth and gums promptly stops bacteria from the food you eat from turning into or producing harmful, cavity-inducing acids.

According to most dental professionals, you should brush your teeth at least three times per day. People who use fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed at night will usually be okay if they only brush with water or rinse for 30 seconds after consuming lunch or snacks. If there are constraints to brushing two or three times a day, aim to brush at least once every day, preferably at bedtime. The best times to brush are after breakfast and before bed.

Should I Brush My Teeth Before or After Flossing?

Brushing and flossing your teeth are both equally important. You should floss at least once per day, but when you floss isn't extremely important. Some individuals prefer to floss after the last meal of the day or before bed to get the food particles and other debris out from in between their teeth. Then they brush, rinsing away everything so that nothing sits on the teeth overnight. Other people prefer to floss after brushing as it can increase the potential of fluoride getting in between the teeth to help strengthen them.

Greer Dental Studio Can Help Maintain Your Dental Health

You do your part at home with daily flossing and brushing. At Greer Dental Studio, we will do our part, going above and beyond your expectations to ensure you have the healthiest, best-looking smile.

Contact us today at 864-259-2590 to learn more about our services or request an appointment online.

Proper home oral hygiene isn't just about brushing; it also incorporates routine flossing. Why? Because flossing helps prevent harmful plaque buildup, decreasing the chance of periodontal disease. In addition, removing as much bacteria as possible can often help prevent bad breath, cavities, and potential tooth loss. 

Flossing at least once per day will help preserve the overall health of your smile and help you keep it for years to come.

Floss Options

There are many different flossing products on the market to choose from. What's most important is that you choose a dental floss that feels comfortable for your teeth and gums. 

Flosses come in waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored varieties. Waxed floss slides more easily between teeth than unwaxed floss, which is ideal for those with teeth that are close together. Other flossing products available include flossing tape, threaders, interdental brushes, water flossers, and picks.

Simple Tips for Flossing

Here are some simple tips for flossing your teeth:

• If using traditional floss, use about 18 to 24 inches
• Hold the floss taut with your thumbs and index fingers
• Slide the floss in between each tooth using a back-and-forth motion, then curve the floss into a C-shape against each tooth
• Gently scrape the side of the tooth with the string of floss, moving the floss away from the gum.
• Floss your teeth once a day for about two or three minutes each time
• Don't floss forceful, as you may hurt your gums or cause unnecessary bleeding

Frequently Asked Questions about Flossing

Should I Floss in the Morning or Night?

You should floss at least once per day, but you can floss at any time that works best for your routine and personal preferences. Some people prefer to floss in the morning or after lunch. Others like to floss at night to remove food and plaque buildup throughout the day before heading to bed. 

Getting it done at least once a day is more important than when, so do it when it works best for you. When you floss at least once daily, you increase the chance of keeping your teeth for a lifetime and reduce the risk of developing gum disease.

Is it Better to Floss Before or After Brushing?

When you floss first before brushing, it allows you to loosen up the debris and particles in between teeth. Then, when you brush and rinse, it washes the debris and bacteria away. However, there may be some benefits to flossing after brushing, as it may help the fluoride in the toothpaste get in between the teeth. As you do a thorough job of flossing, it doesn't really matter if you do it before or after brushing.

Greer Dental Studio: Your Healthy Smile Partners

At Greer Dental Studio, it's our goal to give you the best-looking, healthiest smile possible. While flossing daily is something you must do to maintain your dental health, we can help ensure you are using the correct products and techniques for you. In addition, be sure to schedule routine dental cleanings and exams to keep your mouth healthy.

Contact us today at 864-259-2590 or request an appointment online.