Brushing and flossing seem simple enough, but some people still have questions. You shouldn’t feel any shame in asking questions, because you’re definitely no the only one. From how long you should brush your teeth to what kind of toothpaste you should use, people have always been curious about how to care for their oral health. Your dentist in Spring Hill is here to answer your FAQs about brushing and flossing.
What Type of Toothbrush and Toothpaste Should I Use?
Buy a soft-bristled toothbrush. Medium and hard bristles can actually erode your enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. It doesn’t really matter whether you use an electric or a manual toothbrush; the important thing is that you’re brushing every day. Set a reminder to replace your toothbrush every 3 months or earlier if you have been sick recently.
As for toothpaste, make sure that it has fluoride, a mineral that provides more protection against cavities. In addition, make sure the tube has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. These toothpastes always have fluoride.
How Long Should I Brush My Teeth?
The ADA recommends brushing at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. Most of us only brush for about 45 seconds. Less than two minutes won’t remove enough plaque from your teeth to avoid cavities. Set a 2-minute timer while you’re brushing to get an idea of how long 2 minutes really is.
When Is the Best Time to Brush My Teeth?
Most people brush first thing in the morning and last thing before bed. This is typically enough to prevent plaque buildup, although dentist typically suggest brushing after every single meal. However, do NOT brush immediately after you finish eating. Wait at least half an hour, especially if you have just eaten something acidic like citrus fruits. Brushing too soon can actually wear down your enamel and cause pain.
Do I Really Need to Floss?
There’s no other way to say it; flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to stopping tooth decay. Brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of the teeth, but it can’t reach between the teeth. if you neglect to floss, plaque between the teeth can harden into tartar, which widens the spaces between the teeth and forms pockets. This can cause your teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Flossing once a day should be enough to prevent this.
Should I Brush or Floss First?
It doesn’t really matter whether you brush or floss first as long as you do both. Some people prefer flossing first because it removes bits of food from between the teeth, which the brush then whisks away. Others would rather brush first because flossing forces the leftover fluoride from the toothpaste down in between the teeth, strengthening those areas. As long as you’re doing both, the order makes no difference.
Brushing and flossing are necessary for proper oral health, so it’s important that you know as much as you can about how to perform those tasks. If you still have questions, your dentist in Spring Hill can answer them to your heart’s content.
About the Author
Dr. Keith Chapman earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He spent several years overseas, providing dental care to patients in Liberia through a mission organization called Mercy Ships. He returned to Spring Hill, TN to work at Family Dental Associates with Dr. Allyson Kelly to provide excellent care to the Spring Hill area. If you have another questions about brushing and flossing, click here or call (615)-302-1414.