You and your hygienist work together in preserving your oral health. In order to have healthy teeth and a healthy mouth, you first have to practice proper daily dental hygiene. You must also visit your dental hygienist in order to benefit from professional services. Between visits, however, brushing and flossing are very important. Here are a few practical tips:
Brushing removes food debris, plaque and bacteria, which are responsible for oral diseases of the gum and support tissues. Here are a few tips on proper brushing.
Always brush at least twice a day (once before going to bed).
Brush for at least two to three minutes.
Choose a soft toothbrush with rounded bristles. It should be small enough to allow you to reach your back teeth. You should replace it every three months or when the bristles become worn.
Do not use excessive force while brushing. Too much pressure could wear away the gums and, in time, cause irreversible damage to your teeth.
Place the brush perpendicular to the teeth on the gum line, and roll towards the edge of the teeth. To clean the back of the front teeth, place the brush vertically on each tooth, making them easier to reach.
Brush every surface of your teeth: towards the cheeks, towards the tongue and on top of the crowns.
End the process by brushing the center of the tongue, from the back towards the front.
Flossing Dental floss removes the debris and bacteria that your toothbrush cannot reach. If you do not floss daily, you reduce the positive results of your daily dental care by more than 40%. When you start using dental floss, it is normal for the process to be time consuming or difficult. As you become more adept at flossing, it will require less time than brushing. To ease into the habit, floss several times a day but only between a few teeth per session. Your hygienist can recommend another method adapted to your needs. She can also recommend the use of different types of brushes and toothpastes or other products especially suited to your oral health. Do not hesitate to ask your hygienist for advice.
