The Importance Of Brushing And Flossing

When you were growing up, your mom probably always told you to brush and floss each day. And, most of the time you did, just because she said to. Did you ever stop to consider why it was important to brush your teeth and floss them after each meal? For most people, they never think about the act of brushing or flossing. It is either automatic to do it, or to ignore it. The results will then lead to either great dental health or poor dental health. Which category do you fall into?

How Often to Floss

Most people don't really know how often they are supposed to brush their teeth. Is once a day, before bedtime the best time to brush your teeth? Do you need to brush in the morning and at night? Is flossing once or twice a week good enough? The short answer is no.

A person, whether they are young or old, male or female, should brush their teeth after every meal. The brushing will get rid of any food particles on the teeth, and it will also help to freshen the breath. Brushing alone won't get rid of all of the food in your teeth. You also need to floss behind all of your teeth after each meal. Flossing will ensure that there are not any food particles left behind after brushing.

If you think you don't have time to brush and floss, then a swish of mouthwash will work in a pinch. However, you should keep a small toothbrush at your work or in your purse for when you have eaten food. The toothbrush companies have created toothbrushes that are disposable after one use just for this purpose. They come with toothpaste already on the brush, and it is sealed up. Once you are done brushing, then you simply throw it away. You don't have to worry about storage or keeping it clean in your desk or purse.

Brush and Floss Properly

Since you are supposed to brush and floss after each meal, do you know how to do it properly? Most people don't know how to brush correctly. The adequate time to brush is about three minutes, not the usual thirty seconds that most people take. Brushing longer is better than for short periods, but long periods can actually hurt your teeth too.

Brushing should be done in a circular motion, starting from the gums and working down to the tip of the tooth. Don't forget to brush both sides of the tooth, and the top as well. All surfaces of the tooth should be covered so the brush can remove food and other particles from the surface.

After the teeth are brushed, then it is time to get out the floss. You can use floss and wrap it around two fingers on opposite hands to floss each tooth. Floss can easily be kept at work. A roll of dental floss can easily be kept in a drawer or a purse too, and pulled out when needed. Use floss whenever you eat or feel the need to clean your gums.