Our Dental Blog

Seeing us every six months for a checkup and cleaning is valuable. However, you also need to take care of your smile from home. Daily care including brushing and flossing correctly, helps keep disease and infection at bay, safeguarding your smile. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist explains the importance of a good oral hygiene routine.

Brushing Your Teeth the Right Way

You need to brush your teeth every day, and many of you do! However, sometimes you may not do so correctly, which still leaves your smile vulnerable to cavities and gum disease. Let’s talk about proper smile care. First, we suggest a toothbrush, whether electric or manual, with soft bristles. Many people brush too hard, and with hard or medium bristles, this could weaken enamel and cause sensitivity. Also, be sure your toothpaste contains fluoride, which makes your enamel stronger. You can look for this on the packaging, along with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.

You should use a pea-sized bit of fluoride toothpaste and approach your teeth at a 45-degree angle, Clean the tops and sides thoroughly, and use circular motions to clean the front facing teeth. The process should take no less than two minutes! Do this when you wake up and again before bed.

You Need to Floss Every Night

When you floss, you remove what a toothbrush alone cannot. These stray particles are often lodged between teeth or along the gum line, so flossing helps fight gum sensitivity and periodontal trouble. You should take an 18inch to 20inch length of tape, and wrap each end around a thumb. Hold it tight with your index fingers, and then run the tape up and down each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line. Adjust your grip so you use a clean portion of tape for each tooth.

Other Good Oral Health Habits

You can also help your smile by avoiding tobacco products, cutting back on your consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and also seeing us every six months for a checkup and cleaning visit. These actions allow your smile to stay strong and avoid the sonnet of decay or disease. If you have any questions about how to care for your smile from home, or about when to schedule a visit for an exam and cleaning, then give us a call today. Summer is a great time to schedule a visit for you and your entire family!

Do You Have Questions About Brushing and Flossing?

We’re ready to help you start a better oral hygiene routine. To learn more about keeping your smile strong and bright from your own home, then schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.