flossing Archives - Tampa Smiles

25/Apr/2024

Proper tooth brushing techniques are essential to ward off tooth day and gum disease. Proper tooth brushing will remove food particles and bacteria without scrubbing your teeth and gums too heavily. Brushing too heavily can lead to erosion. To avoid damaging the surface of your teeth, choose a soft bristly toothbrush and apply following steps to ensure proper tooth brushing:

Only use a thin strip or pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush. The toothpaste is to freshen your breath. The toothbrush is actually responsible for cleaning your teeth, not the toothpaste. The extra toothpaste used when brushing is basically an added amount of abrasive cleaner, which can lead to erosion and receding gums.
Keep your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the surface of your teeth pointing towards the gum line.
Avoid the straight, back-and-forth motion, which can abrade the teeth. Using a gentle, circular motion covering all surfaces (front, back, & chewing surfaces)
After cleaning all surfaces using the circular pattern, it is also good practice to hold your toothbrush vertically to clean the inner areas of the teeth.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue. Bacteria can accumulate on the tongue between the taste buds and other structures of the tongue. There are special brushes available specifically for your tongue and they are easy to use.
The recommended time to spend brush your teeth is 2 to 3 minutes.

Flossing is also an important part of proper oral health care. Flossing can be performed before or after brushing. A quality mouth rinse can add even more protection after brushing and flossing. Do not hesitate to contact South Tampa Smiles team for further tips on proper brushing, flossing and other health care concerns at 813 – 289 – 0560.

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Dr. Cannariato

25/Apr/2024

More Effective Than Brushing Alone

Flossing your teeth helps clean the areas of the teeth that a toothbrush cannot access. Regular flossing helps break up the bacterial plaque and keep the bacteria from colonizing. If plaque is left to organize, it can create a pathogen-rich environment in your mouth leaving you at risk for developing dental and gum related diseases or even systemic illnesses.

Prevents Buildup of Plaque

Plaque is the sticky soft film that can harden into Tartar buildup if left undisturbed for a period of time. Once this film hardens into tartar, it must be removed in the dental office. Preventing plaque from hardening into tartar can be achieved more effectively with proper brushing along with flossing the surfaces between the teeth and along the gum line.

Fresher Breath

Battling with offensive smells coming from your mouth? The bacteria in plaque and food particles left in between the teeth can cause bad breath. Flossing the areas your toothbrush cannot reach helps getting rid of this smelly plaque.

Healthier Gums

Flossing is important for the removal of the bacterial film along the gum line. Without regular bushing and flossing, you are at risk of developing infection, and possibly disease of the structures that support your teeth in your mouth. Gum infections known as gingivitis can lead to gum disease, or periodontitis, which can eventually cause tooth loss.

Prevents Serious Diseases

If bacteria is left to flourish in your mouth, it can have harmful effects on your overall health. Research has shown that bacteria in the mouth can lead to respiratory illnesses, diabetes and heart disease. Improving your oral health plays a major role in your overall health.

Brighter Smile

To keep your teeth white and shiny, incorporate flossing into your daily routine. Flossing helps remove stains from the teeth caused by the food and drinks we consume. It helps remove food particles and prevent unsightly staining resulting in a healthier and brighter smile.

Regular dental cleanings are an important part in maintaining optimum oral and overall health. Contact South Tampa Smiles today at (813) 289 – 0560 to schedule your checkup and cleaning.

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Proper Tooth Brushing Techniques

Why is flossing so important?