First, let’s get one thing out of the way. Both brushing and flossing are extremely beneficial to one’s oral hygiene regimen. By doing both, you will have stronger, healthier teeth by cleaning out tooth-decay causing bacteria, eliminating plaque and removing food particles wedged between teeth.
Brushing and flossing are both necessary to oral hygiene, and all dentists will recommend you do both every day.
Teeth should be brushed at least twice daily – once when you wake up, and once before going to bed. If you wish, you can brush after every meal. Your dentist should teach you how to brush properly, because there is an optimal way of doing so.
You can even buy products that can imitate the brushing technique you ought to do, simplifying this process. These products include angled toothbrushes, and toothbrushes that rely on ultrasound technology. You obviously don’t need to be so high tech, just use a regular toothbrush and brush twice daily at a minimum.
Next, flossing can reach areas of the teeth that the bristles of the toothbrush simply cannot. That is why using both is so effective – they make up for each other’s weaknesses for an all-around clean.
Dental floss is more flexible and can clean under the gum line. The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that a minimum of 18 inches (45 cm) of dental floss be used so that there is enough length to wrap around your fingers and still floss.
Flossing should be done carefully and slowly. This isn’t a race. Your oral hygiene should be a top priority. By trying to rush the flossing process, many people tend to be overly aggressive and cut into their gums.
The proper way to floss is to gently press the floss down along the side of each tooth, and then use a back and forth motion (with the occasional up and down) to remove any embedded food particles. Once you are complete, slide to a clean section of floss and repeat on the next tooth.
Flossing and brushing help to lower the chance of getting gum disease and other such health issues. Furthermore, they can freshen your breath up and leave your teeth and gums feeling better.
Proper oral care will result in a white smile and no strange discolorations caused by beverages and foods. It can also lower the chances of developing cavities that requires dental surgery.
Diseases that affect the gums and mouth are known as periodontal diseases. Furthermore, periodontal diseases can also result in painful gum infections for starters, and can lead to systemic health problems like heart disease if left untreated.
Systemic infection is the result of bacteria in the gums entering the bloodstream to other parts of the body.
Since oral health is vital to one’s overall health, it is necessary to maintain your oral health. Not only should you both brush and floss daily, but you should go to the dentist when it is time.
A dentist will clean any areas that you missed using professional tools, and can identify potential problem areas before they worsen.