Everyone knows that brushing your teeth regularly is essential for good oral hygiene, but there is more to a healthy mouth than that. Here, Dr. John Benedetto, of Wrigleyville Dental in Chicago, explains the right way to brush that includes your tongue and gums, plus tips for flossing correctly.
Taking Care of Your Tongue
Each time you brush your teeth, include your tongue as well—after all, this is where about 80 percent of the bacteria in your mouth are contained. Little hairs that grow on the tongue wear down the more you brush, but if they are neglected, they get long and trap bacteria. Someone who has a white, furry-looking tongue most likely has a high bacteria level and risk of cavity than someone with more of a pink, smoother tongue. To keep your tongue clean, brush vigorously and as far back as you can go. If something looks strange, speak to your dentist. Remember that not all conditions are harmful. Some people have geographic tongue, with white patches that move around, which is normal. Others may have a condition called fissured tongue, where they have deep cracks and lines in their tongue. This is also not a cause for concern.
Taking Care of Your Gums
Healthy gums are essential to overall health and preventing gum disease, yet tend to be neglected in favor of the teeth. But the flat surfaces and the tops of the teeth (where most people brush exclusively) are not really the places where the bacteria stay. By incorrectly brushing with long strokes, the bristles are not getting in between your teeth and underneath your gums. Instead, brush the junction at the gum line, in between each tooth. Angle toward the gum, using an ultra soft brush, and brush with each tooth so that the bristles go in between the teeth and underneath the gums. And remember to be gentle. A Sonicare electric toothbrush is a great choice for anyone concerned with lacking the necessary coordination to brush properly.
Flossing Basics
Flossing — an often-overlooked part of a good dental hygiene regimen — is key to keep your mouth healthy and happy. The first step in flossing is to choose the correct dental floss. Many types are on the market, but opt for waxed floss, and look for one that is mint flavored. You will feel nice and fresh afterward, and will be more inclined to keep up with the routine. Regular flossing will actually leave a little bit of a wax film on the teeth, which is beneficial. Everyone is different when it comes to how often he should floss, as it depends on what type of mouth you have. Speak with your dentist to determine issues such as pocketing in your gums, which may require extra care and attention. If your mouth never has had a problem, flossing a couple of times a week should be sufficient to maintain good oral hygiene. However, if you have cavities on a regular basis, then flossing is important, as cavities form in between the teeth where the contact points are. So, those who are prone to cavities should floss more frequently.
Flossing Technique
If your gums tend to bleed when you floss, you may be doing it incorrectly. The important thing when it comes to flossing is to use to the correct technique. First, learn how to properly hold a piece of floss. Don’t skimp on the amount you pull off—aim for a piece that is about two feet long. To begin, wrap the floss around your middle finger, not your forefinger. Then, use your thumbs and forefingers as extensions to manipulate the floss around your mouth. Do not just pop the floss quickly in between the teeth, as this can damage the delicate gum tissue. Once you pop the floss through the contact point, press towards the back of the mouth and go up underneath the gum gently. Then pull down, do the front underneath the gum and then pull down. The goal is to get up underneath the gum in that little area called the papillae (the triangular regions of gum between the teeth, which should come to a point with a sharp edge), and that is precisely what most people miss. A common mistake is to pull the floss too hard so that it pops through and slices that papilla in half, which causes the gums to bleed and get sore. By gently see-sawing the floss through the teeth, it will not rip the gums. Keep in mind that the see-sawing technique is the important part. Remember to be careful when flossing to avoid slicing the papillae.
What to Do Before a Teeth Cleaning
The hours right before a routine visit to the dentist can cause stress and anxiety for many patients. The usual brushing and flossing that you do every day will help eliminate any food particles caught between the teeth before your visit—this is really all you need to do before sitting in the chair. Focus on regular oral care at home throughout the year, rather than trying to fix months of neglect in one brushing. Overdoing it will merely aggravate the situation: You may even rip your gums, which will cause bleeding and soreness and make the appointment worse in the end. Leave it to your dentist to diagnosis and issues and help you determine the best oral regimen to follow going forward.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
