Oral hygiene is crucial for your dental and overall health and wellness. Good oral health can be achieved by dedicating yourself to a routine that includes brushing and flossing. And you can do all this in the comfort of your home.
Brushing and flossing can help maintain the results of teeth cleanings in Buffalo Grove to prevent bacteria and plaque accumulation that are the main culprits for several dental problems like decay and gum disease.
What is the importance of dedicating yourself to routine oral hygiene care?
Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping your teeth from decay and the other supporting structures free from infection. This includes regular brushing and flossing, which form the pillars of good oral health.
Oral hygiene care is vital to your overall health and well-being. These practices can prevent the onset of oral diseases, which can, in turn, lead to several systemic health issues. Thus. maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for improving your oral health and overall well-being.
What is the correct brushing technique?
According to the ADA (American Dental Association), you are advised to:
- Use a soft-bristled and small-headed toothbrush
- Use a fluoridated toothpaste
- Brush twice daily once in the morning and once before bedtime
- Use an electric toothbrush for more effective cleaning
Follow the below brushing technique:
- Place the brush at a 45-degree angle where the gums and teeth meet
- Use circular motions to brush the teeth and gum line
- Brush all the surfaces of the teeth
- Use back-and-forth motions to clean the chewing surfaces
- Do not forget to brush your tongue to remove food debris and fungi
What is the correct flossing technique?
Flossing is used in conjugation with brushing to:
- Remove plaque from the interdental regions (between the teeth) where a regular brush cannot reach
- Reduces the risk of periodontal disease and also limits the depth of the gingival pocket
The ADA suggests the following flossing technique:
- Take a piece of floss measuring 18 inches long
- Wrap one end of the floss around the middle finger of your left hand
- Wrap the other end around the middle finger of the right hand
- Make sure that both hands are 2 to 3 inches apart
- Work the floss gently between your teeth in an up-and-down direction
- Repeat this 4 to 5 times gently
Takeaway
For a healthy oral cavity and a beautiful smile, you must practice good oral hygiene every day. Investing in your oral health and hygiene, you can keep your teeth plaque-free and improve your smile.
