Child brushing the teeth with a red tooth-paste
With summer break, many families will be relaxing, heading out of town, and just enjoying themselves. Amidst all the summer fun, kids and adults alike may begin to become lapse in their oral hygiene routine. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX, dentist will discuss how to brush and floss daily, and why keeping these habits all summer long is essential!
People of all ages need to brush every single day. You should do so first thing in the morning, and then once again before going to bed. Each session should take about two minutes. Approach the teeth with the bristles at a 45-degree angle to get to the sides and tops of the teeth. Then clean the front facing teeth in a circular motion. Make sure you use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as this helps strengthen the outer enamel to keep teeth cavity-free. You can use a manual or electric model, just as long as you’re taking time to clean your smile. However, we do insist on soft bristles, as you avoid inadvertent enamel damage if you brush too hard.
Even more vital than brushing is flossing. You should take time to floss in between your teeth every single evening. You can use a pick or tape, or even a water flosser! To clean properly when using tape, take a length of tape about 18 inches to 20 inches long. Wrap each end around one of your thumbs, and hold it tight with your index fingers. Then run the tape up and down each side of every tooth. Adjust you grip occasionally to use a clean length of tape. Be sure you clean up and down every side of each tooth, and dip below the gum line in a “c” motion to reach what’s trapped in the gums.
These habits remove food particles and significantly decrease the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. They do this by limiting the severity of plaque and tartar buildup. However, the completely remove this harmful buildup, you need a professional dental cleaning. The process uses an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to remove all buildup from the teeth, keeping your smile healthy and strong. You should have one every six months! If you have high risk factors for gum disease, then you may need one every three to four months. If you have any questions about the process, then contact our team today to learn more.
We’re ready to help you and your family enjoy optimal oral health throughout the year. For more information on how you can keep your smile healthy from home, contact your Houston, TX, dentist, Dr. Chan, by calling 713-926-8896.
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