Dental Cleaning in Richardson Begins with Brushing and Flossing at Home

Brushing and flossing your teeth is just so yesterday… and today, and the next day, and so on and so forth for as long as you want to keep your teeth. For excellent oral health, the American Dental Association recommends that everyone brush their teeth at least twice a day—or after every meal, if possible—and floss once a day. But are you brushing and flossing properly? Believe it or not, there is a right way to perform this routine task. For an outstanding dental cleaning, Richardson dentist Dr. Nguyen recommends the following steps.

1. Make sure you have the right tools. Whether you choose a manual or powered toothbrush is simply a matter of personal preference. But whichever one you choose, make sure the bristles are soft. Hard bristles can damage tooth enamel, which can lead to tooth sensitivity or even decay. And be sure to brush with a light touch; brushing vigorously will not clear your teeth any better.
2. Follow a pattern. If you want to brush your teeth like a pro, then establish a pattern and follow it. You may want to start by brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line. This way, you’ll be able to brush the surfaces of your teeth as well as your gums. Then, move to the chewing surfaces and the interior surfaces of each tooth. Brush back and forth along the chewing surfaces and up and down on the inside of your teeth.
3. Brush your tongue. Bacteria like to accumulate in the cracks and crevices of your tongue. Scrub your tongue to remove bacteria and prevent bad breath.
4. Take your time. How long do you think a good brushing takes? In order to adequately clean your entire mouth, you should spend two full minutes brushing. Set a timer, listen to an entire song or do some squats and lunges. Whatever it takes for you to thoroughly brush.
5. Finish with floss. After you brush, take about 18 inches of floss and clean in between each of your teeth. With floss, you can remove trapped food particles as well as built-up plaque that can lead to gum disease.

For a Dental Cleaning, Call Your Richardson Dentist

If you’ve Googled, “Dentist near me in Richardson,” then you’ve found him! Dr. Nguyen and his team at Brick Row Dentistry would be delighted to take care of all the smiles in your family. Contact us today!