We want to see you and your family for checkups and cleanings every six months. But in between these visits, you also need to take action from home to keep your teeth healthy and strong. In today’s blog, your Sheridan, WY, dentist talks about the proper way to brush and floss your teeth.

The Impact of Plaque

As we eat and drink, particles from our foods and beverages can become trapped between teeth or along the gum line. If these particles are of sugar and starch, then harmful oral bacteria could consume them, a process that elevates oral acidity and coats the teeth in plaque and tartar. The buildup can weaken and erode the outer enamel to make cavities develop. The same layers also irritate and inflame gum tissues to increase the risk of gingivitis and gum disease. You’re also more likely to develop teeth stains and bad breath too. To control the level of buildup until we can remove it with a dental cleaning, you need to brush and floss from home.

Brushing Your Teeth

You should brush your teeth twice each day, as soon as you wake up and then again before going to bed. Each time should take at least two minutes to ensure you’re reaching every available surface of your teeth and removing food and drink particles. You can use an electric or manual one, as both toothbrushes are effective. But we recommend soft bristles to avoid inadvertent enamel damage or gum recession. Your toothpastes selection is vital too, as we recommend one with fluoride to help keep the enamel strong and resistant to decay.

Taking Time to Floss

In addition to brushing your teeth, you also need to floss every evening, as this remove the bits of food and drink particles that could be beyond the reach of a toothbrush. You should do this before you brush in the evening, taking a length of floss tape and running it up and down each side of every tooth, and dipping below the gum line too. Then adjust your grip to use a clean length for the next tooth. A floss pick could be easier for kids to use.

If you have any questions about how to brush and floss properly, then contact our team today. We would love to schedule you and your kids for your next checkup and cleaning visit, so arrange for a visit and let’s make 2023 the year we enjoy optimal oral health!

Talk To Your Sheridan, WY Dentist About Protecting Your Smile

We would like to help you avoid the onset of common issues like tooth decay. To find out how you can protect your smile from home, then reach out to Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY at 307-672-7567.