In this post from David Rice DDS in Elgin, we explore some specifics about brushing your teeth. One key to getting the most out of your toothpaste is getting plenty of foam when brushing.
Working up a good foam is brought about by pre-wetting the toothbrush, then brushing at a 45 degree angle. The foam aids in dislodging food debris from nooks and crannies in the mouth. Go ahead and swish it around as you finish brushing to pick up any stragglers.
The abrasives in toothpaste are designed to polish the teeth without damaging the enamel. Because of the abrasives, soft toothbrushes are best. Harder bristles can put the enamel and gum line at risk.
The fluoride in the toothpaste promotes remineralization of your teeth. This takes time, so be certain you brush for at least 2-3 minutes, and get the foam throughout your mouth.
Flossing is an important part of cleaning your teeth. It doesn’t matter whether your floss before or after brushing. There are different types of floss available and they’re all effective. We do, however, recommend string floss over floss holders, because with string floss you can get all around individual teeth.
At David Rice DDS in Elgin we want all our patients to brush and floss twice a day, and see us for a cleaning and checkup twice a year. Patients from Bartlet, South Elgin, and Wayne come to us for general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment today!
Contact David A. Rice, DDS:
847-741-2353
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1972 Larkin Ave Ste 1
Elgin, Illinois
60123