How often should I brush and floss?

Brushing and flossing are the best way to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Saliva, when mixed with food, causes a plaque to stick to your teeth. This plaque, if not removed, causes decay (cavities), bad breath, unsightly stains, and—worst of all—periodontal or gum disease. This gum disease, if left unchecked, will destroy the supporting structures of your teeth. This is the major cause of adult tooth loss. Many other health issues have also been associated with periodontal disease, including heart disease.

Brushing twice a day, and flossing once a day, will greatly improve the health of your teeth and gums. Always use a soft toothbrush to protect your gum tissue.

Brush at a 45-degree angle toward your gum line and gently brush in small circles. Do this on the inside and outside of your teeth. Don’t forget the chewing surfaces as food often sticks in the groves causing a cavity.

For your daily flossing routine: wrap a long piece of floss around your index finger on both hands and slide the floss between each of your teeth. Get as close to each tooth as possible and slide the floss gum-ward, as far as possible, to disrupt the plaque and bacteria if this area. Include the backside of your back teeth, as plaque can also attach there.

Contact our office today at 801-566-2155, and our excellent hygienist will be glad to go over brushing and flossing more thoroughly.