Modern dental clinics can provide patients with a wide range of various oral health services. Arguably the most important of these is preventive dental care. A patient who is intentional about implementing preventive dental health care can save time and money in the future by bypassing the need for complicated and costly restorative procedures. In this article, we discuss brushing techniques to prevent dental emergencies.
Brushing Techniques to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Knowing how to effectively take care of your teeth and gums can ensure you have a healthy and bright smile for years and help you avoid dental emergencies. Follow these steps to boost your oral hygiene routine.
Brush Your Teeth Correctly
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for at least two full minutes twice a day. You should hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and brush your teeth on the front, back, and tops—along the chewing surface. Make sure to pay special attention to the hard-to-reach areas at the back of your mouth and brush thoroughly along the gumline. That said, be careful not to irritate or harm the gum tissue.
For your evening routine, try to brush your teeth right before bed and after you have had your last meal for the day. This way, you will prevent bacterial growth in the mouth during the night—when decreased saliva production creates an ideal environment for bacteria. Additionally, some dentists recommend brushing your teeth after breakfast rather than before. Doing so will remove food debris from your morning meal and keep your teeth clean until you sit for lunch.
Opt for a Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride has been proven to be effective at preventing cavities and gum disease. It works by remineralizing and strengthening the enamel of the teeth. As a result, teeth become more resistant to harmful bacteria.
If you want to boost the strength of your teeth even more, ask your dentist about other products with fluoride, and have professional fluoride treatments at a dental office every 6 to 12 months.
Choose a Suitable Toothbrush
As we mentioned before, daily cleaning along the gumline with your toothbrush is essential for effective oral hygiene. This way, you will prevent plaque from accumulating in periodontal pockets and under the gum line, causing gum disease. However, this also means that you can irritate the gums if the bristles of your toothbrush are too hard for you.
Try brushes with different levels of hardness and choose the one that does not cause pain or irritation to your gums but still cleans effectively. Ask your dentist to help you choose the right brush according to the condition of your teeth and gums.
Try a Mono Tuft Brush
A mono tuft brush is a small round brush that is effective for cleaning every single tooth thoroughly. Add a mono tuft brush to your routine and use it for several minutes 3 to 4 times a week. Make sure to clean each tooth on every side and along the gumline.
Floss Daily
Even if your brushing is very thorough, it is still not enough to maintain optimal oral health. Many food particles, bacteria, and plaque accumulate between the teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. It can be especially challenging for people with overcrowded or crooked teeth.
You should floss every evening, moving the thread gently up and down between the teeth, cleaning each tooth from both sides. Make sure not to lacerate or irritate the gums by flossing with forceful movements.
Consider a Water Flosser
To boost your oral hygiene even more, consider adding a water flosser to your daily routine. A water flosser cleans the teeth with a stream of pressurized water and is effective at loosening up food debris and plaque.
It is recommended to use a water flosser as a first step of your routine, continue with traditional floss, and finish with fluoride toothpaste. Alternatively, you can floss first and then use a water flosser but you should still finish with brushing. A water flosser is proven to boost the effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste.
A water flosser can also be effectively used to prevent gum disease or significantly improve the condition of the gums if gum disease is already present. However, remember that a water flosser can not replace traditional toothbrushes and floss.
Make an Appointment Today
Prevent dental emergencies by signing up for a check-up and professional cleaning with a reliable dentist in Encino today. At Encino Family Dental, we offer a wide range of preventive dentistry procedures to help you enjoy the health of your teeth for years to come. We look forward to your visit.
