Brushing and Flossing

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It’s absolutely a must to brush and floss daily to maintain your oral health and keep that smile sparkling. Just like after buying a new car, regular maintenance is necessary for longevity.
But did you know … it’s possible to overdo do it?
Some people use too much force (up to a pound of pressure!) while brushing their teeth and gums. This can erode enamel and damage gums. And who wants to experience that?

Signs you’re too forceful:

  • Red, swollen, and/or bleeding gums.
  • Gum recession – like receding hairline, but with your gums!

Ways to avoid hygiene overkill:

    • Brush your teeth for about two minutes with five ounces of pressure. You can gauge this by putting your hand on a kitchen portion scale. That’s all it takes to do a good job! If you use an electronic toothbrush, even less pressure is necessary because of the fast brushing action.
    • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
    • Brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
    • It’s all about the motion. The American Dental Association recommends using short tooth-wide strokes with your brush.
    • For the inside surfaces of your front teeth … go vertical and use up and down strokes.
    Why is daily brushing and flossing vital?
    Plaque regenerates on teeth every 24 hours. It can cause bad breath, yellow your smile, and even lead to health problems. By brushing and flossing a daily, you will do your part to fend off this unwanted intruder!
    At Batavia Family Dental, we can detect signs of heavy brushing. We will let you know if it’s a problem and advise what you should be doing differently.
    Our team would be glad to provide a demonstration of proper cleaning techniques – just ask! And should you have any concerns prior to your next visit, call us and we’ll answer your questions right away.
    The sooner you get the right information, the sooner you can feel confident that you are caring for your smile the best way possible!
    For your entire family’s dental needs, call the professionals today at (585) 479-3103 (new patients) or (585) 343-4246 (existing patients). As your trusted dentist in Batavia, we’d love to hear from you!