Brushing and Flossing This Summer
June 9, 2021
When summer months arrive, kids and adults alike often loose a little of the routine that gets them through the school year. Which means brushing and flossing habits can lapse, especially on vacation! In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist will discuss how to keep smiles healthy and practice good oral hygiene during the summer.
Brushing Teeth
Let’s start with brushing your teeth. Everyone needs to do so daily, from babies to adults. When we do, we help remove food and drink particles to limit plaque buildup and other factors behind issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Basically, every single day we need to brush our teeth when we wake up, and then do so again before going to bed that evening. Each time should take about two minutes to ensure every surface is adequately cleaned. To make the process fun, kids and adults alike could benefit from sand timers, songs, or other options to time them.
Your toothpaste selection matters too! Instead of discussing on whitening or other ingredients, look for fluoride. A naturally-occurring mineral, fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel to prevent cavities. Make sure your toothpaste contains this, and use a pea-sized bit. Children should use a rice-sized blot of fluoride toothpaste.
Flossing
While brushing is very important, flossing is even more vital and essential for avoiding periodontal issues. As soon as teeth sit next to one another in your smile, you need to begin flossing. For children, a pick is easier to use, but adults should opt for floss tape. Take an 18 inch to 20 inch length of tape and wrap each end around one of your thumbs. Hold it taut with your index fingers, and then run the tape up and own each side of every tooth. Adjust your grip to ensure you use a clean portion for each tooth.
Care When You Travel
Be sure you lack a toothbrush and toothpaste when you travel! You can buy travel size options at any store. Also be sure you bring your floss too! Whether you’re having a staycation or hitting the beach, you need to think about your smile and bring what you need to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Also, consider scheduling a time for you and your family to see us for a checkup and cleaning visit this summer to, so we can remove plaque and tartar, and discuss the care need to keep smiles strong and bright.
Do You Have Questions About Oral Hygiene?
Our team wants to help you and your family practice good oral hygiene habits. To learn more about how to keep teeth and gums strong and healthy, then schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.