Our office is currently closed, outside of emergency appointments of course, which means we can’t clean and examine your smile as we normally would. As a result, people in El Paso, TX, need to make sure they’re brushing and flossing properly to avoid the onset of issues like tooth decay or gum disease while staying inside. Fortunately, we have a few tips in our latest blog!
Fighting Plaque Buildup
The reason we brush and floss is to remove food stuck on and between the teeth. Doing so keeps bacteria from consuming them, a process that elevates oral acidity and then coats the teeth in plaque buildup. Plaque over time hardens into tartar and is impossible to remove outside of a professional dental cleaning. However, routine care limits the severity of plaque, and in the process, lowers the risks of tooth decay and gum disease. We develop these issues as plaque weakens tooth enamel and inflames the gums.
Brushing Your Teeth
Be sure your toothbrush, whether electric or manual, is using soft bristles, as this helps prevent inadvertent damage if you brush too hard. We also suggest a toothpaste with fluoride, as this strengthens outer enamel and helps prevent cavities. Be wary of whitening toothpastes, as these could lead to tooth sensitivity since they contain abrasive ingredients to wear away discoloration.
Kids and adults alike need to brush when they wake up and once more before going to bed. Each session should last about two minutes and reach every available surface of your teeth. To help make the process fun for kids, choose toothbrushes and toothpastes with pictures of their favorite movie or cartoon characters, and time them with an hourglass, app, or podcast!
Flossing the Right Way
While brushing your teeth is effective, you also need to reach what’s caught in between the teeth, something brushing alone cannot accomplish. You need to floss each night before bed, taking an 18-inch length of floss tape and wrapping it around your index fingers. Keep it taut with your thumb, and then floss up and down each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line in a “c” motion. Kid may have an easier time using a floss pick, and some people prefer using a water flosser as opposed to tape or picks. If you have any questions about keeping smiles healthy from home, then contact our team today.
SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO DISCUSSES KEEPING SMILES HEALTHY
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, our team wants to help you protect your smile from cavities and gum disease, even if you’re stuck at the house. For more information on maintaining optimal oral health, then contact our N. Zaragoza dental practice by calling 915-849-9000.