Good oral hygiene is key to preventing bad breath, gum disease and dental caries. In order to prevent these conditions, proper oral hygiene practices must begin at an early age. Daily brushing should be part of your strategy, but let’s not forget about the importance of flossing, as well. Below, you will discover more information about the proper brushing and flossing techniques required to ensure oral health.

Proper Toothbrush

Just like any other product on the market, the toothbrush is available with different in different designs. For instance, you can choose from hard, medium and soft nylon bristles. While most people prefer a toothbrush with medium nylon bristles, others prefer soft or hard. If you tend to brush your teeth extremely hard, you could damage your gums and root surface with a hard-bristled toothbrush. The soft-bristled toothbrush is perfect for those individuals, but not everyone. Seek advice from your dentist, if you are having difficulty choosing a toothbrush that is perfect for you.

Proper Brushing Techniques 

Many people think they can just hold their toothbrush at any angle and their teeth will end up perfectly clean. This is a huge misconception, because the angle of the bristles plays a huge role in the effectiveness of your brushing. If you ask the experts at Encore Dental, they will tell you that the bristles should be aimed “toward the area where your tooth meets your gum.”

Proper Flossing Technique 

Flossing is designed to remove plague from your teeth. To ensure the oral health, you will need to combine daily brushing with flossing. However, to remove all the plaque buildup on your teeth, you will need to floss properly. Start by cutting an 18-inch piece of floss from the packet and then wrap it around your index or middle finger of one hand and the same finger on the other hand. While holding the floss tightly, gently guide it between your teeth, utilizing a zigzag motion. Partially wrap the floss around each tooth, making a “C shape” and then move it up and down each tooth.

Choosing The Right Toothpaste

If you have ever shopped for toothpaste, you have probably noticed that there are a variety of brands. Of course, all of these brands are competing for your money, but there is a reason that there are so many different availabilities. Some are for sensitive teeth, some say they prevent gum disease, and some are designed specifically for whitening. So, how do you truly know which is the best for you? The most important thing that you need to look for is the American Dental Association (ADA) seal. When you see this seal you can guarantee that this product has been tested and met the standard of the ADA.

After this, you can pretty much narrow down the choices to your specific needs. For instance, if you have sensitive teeth, choose a type of toothpaste that offers what you need. If you drink heavy coffee or tea, be sure to choose a type of toothpaste that offers protection against discoloration. Again, if you have difficulty making a selection, seek recommendations from your physician.