Have you ever wondered what would happen if you stopped brushing your teeth? The result likely wouldn’t be glamorous. Your daily routine of brushing and flossing is invaluable when it comes to maintaining excellent oral health; but what good are you doing if your preventive care routine has flaws? You could actually be causing harm by consistently performing these simple activities incorrectly. Even if your routine is close to perfect, read on to find out if there are any tips that you could implement for better success.

All About That Brush

• Likely you’ve heard that a soft bristled brush is best for your gums; yet many people still seek out hard bristled toothbrushes because they “clean better”. This is in fact not true, and hard bristles can actually cause damage to your gums, tooth enamel, and root surfaces.
• When buying a new toothbrush, which you should do every three months or so, look for one with rounded, soft bristles, and a head that is not too large. A toothbrush head of one inch or smaller in length, and about a half inch wide is a good size for most adults to ensure ease of use.
• You may consider purchasing an electric toothbrush, which will do most of the work for you. They come in a variety of options, and different head/brush styles for you to choose from.
• Once you have a good toothbrush selected, make sure to brush twice a day, for two full minutes each time, paying close attention to your molars and lingual (tongue) side of every tooth.

To Floss or…

Brushing should never take the place of flossing. At least once a day, you should spend time correctly flossing your teeth and gums to remove any residual food particles and plaque that may accumulate. Using either waxed string floss or other interdental cleaner, clean between each set of teeth with an up and down motion. Be sure to let the floss slide along the edge of each tooth and between your gums to remove buildup and inhibit the formation of cavity-causing tartar. Flossing daily can prevent gum disease and tooth loss, and may be the most important part of your preventive care routine.

ABOUT YOUR NORTH RICHLAND HILLS DENTIST:

With over 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler and his caring team proudly provide exceptional preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatment to patients and their families across Dallas/Ft. Worth, including North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities. We also have extensive experience helping patients find relief from painful TMJ disorders (various forms of jaw dysfunction). To schedule an appointment with Dr. Huffstutler, contact our office today by calling 817-918-3038.