Cleaning Your Teeth—Time for a Refresher Course!

Let’s face it—by now, brushing our teeth is something we pretty much do on autopilot. A quick brush after breakfast, a minute or so at night, floss when we think of it—done. But take a few minutes to review these cleaning tips and see if a few minor adjustments to your routine could make all the difference at your next checkup at our Roseville, California, office.

Tools

Some people prefer brushing with a manual brush, while others enjoy the ease and comfort of an electric brush. Whichever form of brush you choose, be sure that it fits comfortably in your mouth, reaches everywhere it needs to, and has an easy-to-grip handle. For optimal Teeth Cleaning, consider the bristle options available. A soft-bristled brush can provide gentler cleaning while protecting your gums if you are an energetic brusher or have sensitive gums.

If you haven’t been exploring the floss aisle lately, many varieties are available to suit your particular needs. Besides the traditional floss, there are coated flosses for easy gliding between teeth that fit closely together, dental tape-style flosses to fit teeth with wider spacing, and even flosses designed just for braces that thread between the wires and brackets. Talk to the dentist in Roseville at your next cleaning for product suggestions if you think there’s an easier, more comfortable option out there for you.

Technique

With proper technique, any toothbrush and floss you choose will do a fine job removing plaque.

Brushing? There’s a tried and true method for success. Place the toothbrush at a 45° angle at the gum line. Be sure to brush each tooth’s outside and inside and the chewing surface thoroughly. Remember the expression, “Massage, don’t scrub.” Over-vigorous brushing can irritate gum tissue and damage enamel. An electric toothbrush should provide a continuous brushing motion without needing any pressure from the brusher. This might be your model if you have a too-vigorous approach to brushing, or sensitive teeth and gums. If you like your manual brush, again, give a soft-bristled brush a try!

As for flossing, that harmless-looking little string can cause gum damage if used too forcefully. You can accomplish the placement and cleaning power you need by easing the floss down to the gum line and flossing with gentle pressure against the tooth surface. If you have any questions about technique, remember—we are always happy to tell you the best cleaning methods for your specific needs.

Timing

Of course, the best tools and techniques in the world will not be effective unless you spend the right amount of time brushing and flossing.

The standard rule is two minutes of brushing in the morning and two minutes at night. If you wear braces or have other exceptional circumstances, we might recommend brushing after every meal. And if you brush after breakfast, give your teeth half an hour or so to remineralize. This natural process uses the calcium and phosphate ions in your saliva to strengthen tooth enamel after exposure to acidic foods in your breakfast.

Thorough flossing can be accomplished in a few minutes and might only be needed once daily. But again, depending on your individual needs, we might have other recommendations. Let’s review what works for you at your next visit—we can tailor suggestions for a brushing routine to your unique needs.

Brushing habits deserve a regular check-in! Taking a moment to assess your technique ensures you get the most out of your cleaning routine. There’s no pressure here, no grades or gold stars – just the reward of healthier teeth and gums, fewer cavities, and happier smiles at your next checkup! Consider consulting a dental hygienist for personalized brushing advice during your subsequent Teeth Cleaning at Arbor View Dental Group. They can provide expert tips to optimize your oral hygiene routine. Happy cleaning!