Why Brushing and Flossing Are Important?
To prevent cavities and gum disease, it’s necessary to brush and floss your teeth. Brushing and flossing not only halt the buildup of plaque, which is the main cause of cavities, but also reduce the chances of developing cavities and prevent gum disease. Inflammation related to gum disease affects other conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as the birth of low birth weight babies.
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, especially at night before bedtime. Additionally, you should floss every night. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and the right size, making gentle circular motions to clean all surfaces of your teeth. Children should brush their teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, twice a day. Regarding appropriately sized toothbrushes for children, there’s often a variety of colors and they may feature popular cartoon characters. Some even play music to help your child know how long to brush.
However, brushing and flossing daily is just part of what you should do. Regular dental check-ups and good home care are the foundation of a good prevention program. Therefore, you should visit the dentist twice a year. Dentists will remove any buildup on your teeth and can detect other potential issues, as well as provide treatment. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should visit the dentist starting at age one or within six months after their first tooth erupts.
How to Clean Your Teeth and Gums
It’s easy to keep your mouth clean and healthy — and keeping it that way is also easy since a simple routine can help prevent most dental problems. This routine includes:
- Using a soft-bristled brush to gently brush all surfaces of the teeth with circular motions to remove plaque.
- Gently brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper to help keep your mouth clean.
- Cleaning between your teeth with dental floss. This removes any food or plaque that cannot be reached with a toothbrush.
- Using fluoride toothpaste. This provides a protective barrier for your teeth and fights germs that cause cavities.
When is the best time to brush your teeth?
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day; once in the morning and once before bedtime — and to brush for at least two minutes. This will help prevent cavities and other dental problems, and also improve your overall health.