So How Should
We Really Brush and Floss?
We've have been brushing, and for some, flossing, all of our lives yet many still get lectured from their dentists and hygienist that they need to do a better job. In addition, we still end up with gum disease. With the introduction of numerous rinses (both pre and post brushing), flosses available (waxed, unwaxed, teflon-coated), all of the toothpastes available ( plaque control, tartar control, for sensitive teeth, whitening, etc), and the myriad of electric toothbrushes ( sonic, rotary, etc...), it seems like one would need a degree in oral bio-mechanics and materials to do a proper job! So, how do you really brush and floss. Read on, and hopefully this unnecessarily challenging task will be simplified.
First and foremost, it is critical to floss once daily, preferably at night before you brush. That's right, before you brush. A significant contributing factor in bad breath is the bacteria that is festering under the gums. Removing this daily will substantially improve your breath. Wrap 18 inches of any floss you feel comfortable using around your middle fingers, leaving a space of about 2 inches in between to use. Scrape on each side of the tooth as far down below the gum as you can go 5 times or so without cutting the tissue. Be sure to wrap around the tooth as best as possible to get part of the front and back of the tooth, and not just the in-between part. For some of us with larger hands or a sensitive gag reflex, Reach makes a Floss-Aid that is very easy and convenient. Try it, you'll be hooked. This will take a few minutes until you get proficient at it. You will even be able to do it without looking, and perhaps doing it in the shower makes it somewhat more pleasant. It may feel uncomfortable at first, and even cause the gums to bleed. This is normal and will subside in a few days.
Next use any ADA fluoridated toothpaste, and any brush you like. Just like a better car does not make you a better driver, a better toothbrush won't make you a better brusher either. It is what you do with it. Brush for approximately 2 minutes in small circles including the edge of the gum. Many electric toothbrushes come with a timer to let you know when the 2 minutes is up. Be sure to finish by brushing your tongue in a forward direction as far back as you can without gagging. This will remove any bacteria that harbors in the grooves of the tongue. Lastly, there are many rinses to choose from. Be sure to pick one that contains no alcohol; it dries out your mouth. If you have porcelain veneers, I would advise against using tartar control or whitening pastes as they can remove the gloss of the porcelain. Also, stay away from stannous fluoride...it can stain your teeth and veneers. Stay with a neutral or sodium fluoride.
Well, there you have it. This simple method will significantly reduce your chances of getting gum disease, and take care of the bad breath issues you may worry about. And it may also get you a little closer to someone you care about.
Wayne Myles DDS - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening and porcelain veneers to the areas of Reston, Fairfax and Arlington, Northern Virginia (VA).
11730 Plaza America Drive, Suite 110 Reston, VA 20190
Ph. 703.925.0800, Fx. 703.925.0279
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