Bridgeport Dentists Brushing and Flossing Tips

Below are tips to help Bridgeport Dentists families enjoy a long, healthy dental life. Bridgeport Dentists recommend brushing and flossing regularly for good oral health

Brushing Tips:
· Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride
· Place toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums
· Apply just enough pressure to feel the toothbrush bristles against the gums
· Move the toothbrush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes
· Brush outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth
· Use the "toe" of the toothbrush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke
· Move the brush frequently to reach every tooth, since the brush can only clean one or two teeth at a time
· Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath
· Avoid hard-bristle toothbrushes, which damage gums. Use soft, end-rounded bristles
· Replace toothbrush at least every two to three months, as soon as the bristles are worn or bent, or after a cold
· Ask Bridgeport Dentists which type of toothbrush works best for you

Flossing Tips:
· Establish a regular pattern for flossing to prevent missing teeth
· If you haven’t flossed regularly, gums may bleed and be sore for the first five or six days. As plaque is broken up and bacteria removed, the gums will heal and stop bleeding
· Floss gently
· Use 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one middle finger
· Wind remaining floss around the same finger of opposite hand
· Hold floss tightly between thumbs and forefingers
· Guide floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion
· Don’t snap floss into gums
· When floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth
· Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth
· Hold floss tightly against the tooth
· Gently rub side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions
· Don't forget back side of your last tooth
Bridgeport Dentists recommend that by age eight, children should floss their teeth. Using a loop of floss is easiest. Tie the ends of a 10-inch piece of floss and hold the floss tightly between the thumbs and forefingers.
Consult Bridgeport Dentists about the best brushing and flossing techniques for you.