The Dos and Don'ts of Brushing and Flossing: Common Errors and Solutions

Flossing, brushing, rinsing, and regular dental exams and cleanings are the cornerstones for good oral hygiene and health. They help remove and prevent plaque, tartar, and stains on the teeth and mouth, reducing the risk of infections like gum disease, tooth erosion, stains, and tooth decay. This article will discuss the common errors associated with brushing and flossing and practical solutions to ensure proper oral hygiene for optimal oral health.

Brushing: Do’s and Don’ts

• Don’t brush too quickly.

Most people rush to brush too quickly, leaving behind bacterial plaque and tartar buildup, especially in hard-to-reach areas. It increases your risk of oral infections like tooth erosion, decay, and gum disease.

Brush for at least two minutes. It ensures that you clean all the surfaces of your teeth thoroughly. You can set a timer to ensure you brush for the appropriate duration.

• Don’t brush vigorously.

Vigorous brushing doesn’t always mean thorough brushing. Scrubbing vigorously can erode your teeth over time and irritate the gums, increasing your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Proper brushing involves holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and applying gentle, circular motions to clean your teeth. Our dentist in 07922 can guide you on how to brush effectively.

• Do use the right toothbrush.

Using a hard-bristled brush doesn’t translate to thorough brushing. It can erode your teeth and irritate the gums, leading to erosion, decay, gum disease, and other issues.

Instead, select a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your teeth and gums. If possible, get an electric toothbrush for a more effective and consistent cleaning experience.

• Do replace your brush.

A worn-out brush is less effective at cleaning your teeth and can hurt teeth and gums. Dental experts recommend replacing your brush every three to four months or as sooner as you notice any wear or frayed bristles.

• Don’t neglect your tongue.

Like your teeth, you should also clean your tongue daily. Not brushing can cause bacteria to accumulate on the tongue, contributing to bad breath, infections, and poor taste. You use a soft brush or tongue scraper to clean your tongue.

• Don’t overlook hard-to-reach areas.

Many people only pay attention to the visible parts of the mouth while neglecting the back of the mouth and the gum line. Ensure to brush all the surfaces of your teeth while paying attention to the gum line. Visit your local dentist for dental cleanings to reduce bacterial plaque and tartar buildup in hard-to-reach areas.

• Don’t brush immediately after taking acidic items.

While brushing after meals can help remove food debris and bacterial deposits from the mouth, brushing immediately after taking acidic items can be harmful. Acidic items like apple cider vinegar and citrus fruits often soften your teeth’ enamel, and brushing immediately can significantly erode your teeth. Dental experts recommend advice you wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing. Visit our dental clinic if your teeth are eroded or sensitive.

Flossing: Dos and Don’ts

While many people often underrate daily flossing, it’s crucial for removing bacterial deposits and debris in hard-to-reach areas where a toothbrush can’t reach, reducing your risk of oral infections. For optimal flossing, keep in mind the following tips:

• Don’t skip flossing. Dental experts recommend flossing at least once daily, particularly before brushing, for optimal oral health.
• Do floss gently. Gently guide the floss around each tooth and along the gum line. Avoid snapping or aggressively moving the floss between your teeth, as it can injure the gums.
• Do use enough floss. Enough floss threader is essential to sufficiently floss while leaving enough thread to work with between your thumbs and index fingers.
• Do rinse the floss after each use. Reusing the floss after each tooth can introduce plaque and bacteria in the mouth, reducing efficiency. After cleaning each tooth, clean the floss before proceeding to the other teeth.
• Do floss your teeth. Extend your flossing below the gum line, where the teeth and gums meet. It lowers your risk of gum disease and decay and promotes good gum health.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Proper brushing and flossing techniques promote good oral health and lower your risk of oral infections like gum disease, decay, and tooth loss. For more information about proper dental hygiene tips and treatments, contact Jersey Smile to book your consultation with our nearby dentist in Berkeley Heights.