Oral hygiene is crucial for your dental and overall health and wellness. It enhances your physical and mental well-being, to boost your confidence and personality. This can be effectively achieved through a dedicated oral hygiene regimen that involves regular brushing and flossing.  But are you doing this correctly?

Your family dentist in Richmond, IN can guide you to a proper brushing and flossing technique that enables a thorough cleaning of your oral cavity to keep bacteria and plaque at bay! 

Why is a routine oral hygiene regimen important? 

Oral hygiene is keeping your teeth and supporting structures clean away from decay, and free from infection. Regular brushing and flossing form the pillars of good oral health.

Oral care is vital to your overall health and well-being. These practices can prevent the onset of dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease, leading to several systemic health issues. 

Explain the correct brushing technique 

According to the ADA (American Dental Association), you are advised to:

• Use a soft-bristled, and small-headed toothbrush
• Use a fluoridated toothpaste
• Brush twice daily once in the morning, and once before bedtime
• Use an electric toothbrush for more effective cleaning 

Follow the below brushing technique:

• Place the brush at a 45-degree angle where the gums and teeth meet
• Use circular motions to brush the teeth and gum line
• Brush all the surfaces of the teeth
• Use back-and-forth motions to clean the chewing surfaces
• Do not forget to brush your tongue to remove food debris and fungi 

Explain the appropriate flossing technique 

Flossing is used in conjugation with brushing to: 

• Remove plaque from the interdental regions (between the teeth) where a regular brush cannot reach 
• Reduces the risk of periodontal disease and also limits the depth of the gingival pocket

The ADA suggests the following flossing technique:

• Take a piece of floss measuring 18 inches long
• Wrap one end of the floss around the middle finger of your left hand
• Wrap the other end around the middle finger of the right hand
• Make sure that both hands are 2 to 3 inches apart
• Work the floss gently between your teeth in an up-and-down direction
• Repeat this 4 to 5 times gently 

Summary  

For a healthy oral cavity and a beautiful smile, you must inculcate good oral hygiene habits. Investing in your oral health and hygiene, you can keep your teeth plaque-free and improve your smile.