Learn How to Keep Your Teeth in Tip Top Condition

You know you should brush and floss several times a day, but if you’re like many folks you may not know exactly what that should entail. You may wonder what additional things you can do at home to keep your teeth in great shape. At California Dental Group, we are invested in your oral health. Here are the specific instructions that can help most people ensure they’re doing all they can to keep their gums and teeth healthy.

How to brush your teeth: A comprehensive guide

We recommend you brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day. The most important tooth brushing of your day will be the one right before you go to bed. We also recommend you use a soft bristle toothbrush that’s been approved by the American Dental Association. This is the best way for most people to brush their teeth:

1. Brush using small, circular motions. You should always keep the brush in contact with your gums. The toothbrush should be at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
2. Brush all surfaces of the teeth: inner, outer, and biting surface.
3. The inside of your front teeth should be cleaned with the tip of your toothbrush.
4. Remove bacteria and help ensure fresh breath by brushing your tongue.

We also recommend electric toothbrushes. They’re very easy to use and can generally help get rid of plaque more efficiently and effectively than a manual brush. The great thing about electric toothbrushes is that they do the work for you. Just place the bristles on your teeth and gums, cleaning several teeth at once.

How to floss your teeth: A comprehensive guide

The best way to keep the spaces between your teeth clean is to floss daily. It will also help keep your gums – and even the area under your gums – healthy and clean. Flossing can actually disrupt colonies of plaque and prevent them from building up, which can help prevent damage to bones, teeth, and gums. Many people wonder if they’re flossing correctly so we’ve provided a step-by-step guide.

• Start with 12 – 16 inches of floss. Leave about 2 inches of floss between your hands after wrapping the floss around your middle fingers.
• Guide the floss gently between teeth with a sawing motion.
• Curve your floss into the shape of the letter C around every tooth and under your gums. Gently move the floss up and down to clean the sides of your teeth.
• If you struggle to use conventional floss, consider floss holders.

Brushing and flossing aren’t a substitute for dental cleanings and exams

Taking care of your teeth between appointments with your California dentist is important, but they don’t take the place of regular exams and cleanings. Professional cleanings from California Dental Group include the use of professional equipment that can do a more thorough job than your home toothbrush can. To set up your appointment, give us a call today at (800) 407-0161. We look forward to helping you be proud of your shining smile.