Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing are essential to maintain good oral and general health by removing the plaque and bacteria that cause gum disease and decay. Excess bacteria in the mouth have been linked to several systemic diseases, including heart and kidney disease, and could also be linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
To keep your mouth as clean as possible, brush twice a day and floss every night. This simple routine will help promote healthy teeth and gums, and ensure a beautiful smile for years to come.
We recommend you use an electric toothbrush, because it removes more plaque than a manual toothbrush when the proper technique is employed. Many different brands are on the market; some use ultrasonic vibrations while others use an oscillating motion to remove plaque. Ask us about our recommendations for electric toothbrushes the next time you visit our Dallas dental office!
Whether you are using a manual or electric toothbrush, hold it at the gum line with a gentle pressure and take your time, allowing the toothbrush to do the work for you. Brush for three minutes to make sure all tooth surfaces are brushed.
When flossing, gently place the floss between your teeth and scrub the surface of the tooth with the floss. This will enable you to remove plaque from between your teeth to prevent gingival inflammation and decay.