Each day, you and your family need to take steps to clean and care for your teeth. But how do you brush and floss properly, and how does this benefit your smile? In today’s blog, your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist talks about how to take good care of your smile and prevent issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
Picking Your Toothbrush and Floss
How do you pick the right toothbrush and floss for your smile? We suggest choosing a brush with soft bristles, as this prevents accidental enamel damage or gum recession if you clean your teeth too rough. You can choose an electric or manual version, either works as long as you take time to properly clean your smile. As for loss, kids and those with limited dexterity often benefit from picks, while for most tape is the best option. You could also opt for a water flosser too! If you want tips on specific brands, then talk to us during your next appointment.
Brushing Your Teeth
You should take time to brush your teeth twice a day, once when you wake up and then again before you go to bed. Each session should take about two minutes. Approach your smile at a 45-degree angle so you can clean the tops and sides, and then clean the front with circular motions. Be sure to gently clean along the gum line too. This doesn’t just apply to adults either, even babies and toddlers need to have their teeth cleaned daily.
Flossing Properly
You should also take time to floss your teeth, as brushing alone cannot reach and remove the particles stuck between your teeth. You should gently clean up and down each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line when you do to reach and remove what is trapped. This is also a great way to help prevent the onset of gingivitis and gum disease. For kids, this should start as soon as there are teeth sitting next to one another. If you have any questions about how to protect your smile or manage your child’s oral health, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help smiles of all ages stay strong and healthy, and that begins with a preventive approach and good oral hygiene habits at home!
Visit Your Woodland Hills, CA Dentist
Proper care each and every day helps lower your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If you would like to learn more about our approach to preventive dental care, then contact your Woodland Hills, CA dentist, Dr. Naminik, by calling 818-347-5124. We would love to love see you and your family make major smile improvements in 2022!