Top Ten List for Healthier Smiles: #2, The Dynamic Duo: Brushing and Flossing

Top Ten List for

Healthier Smiles: #2

(210) 598-5321www.hensleedentalteam.com


#2 The Dynamic Duo: Brushing and Flossing

When you hear the words Dynamic Duo,

who comes to mind? Batman and Robin?

Sherlock Holmes and Watson? The Lone

Ranger and Tonto?


Well, I’ve got a new duo for you:

Brushing and Flossing! I admit

that brushing and flossing may

not sound exciting, but they pack

a powerful one/two punch when

it comes to oral health and there

is no better way to keep your

mouth healthy at home.


When done correctly, brushing and flossing remove

plaque, food and bacteria from our mouths. They

decrease the chance of decay, periodontal

disease, halitosis (bad breath) and reduce staining.

This week’s tip is all about helping you brush up on

your personal oral hygiene.


Find a brush that works for you. It

should be comfortable to hold, the

head needs to be angled to help you

reach those back corners, and the

bristles need to be soft. Hold your

toothbrush so that it reaches your

gums as well as your teeth.

First, let’s talk about brushing.


The trick to being able to reach all your teeth

properly is keeping your lips loose. That means no

crazy tight lipped smile or stretching your mouth into

a silent scream. When we stretch our mouths open

wide, muscles tighten on the sides and make it

impossible to brush the cheek side of our back teeth.


Instead, open just enough to comfortably place the

toothbrush in your mouth. Then, almost close

completely with the toothbrush between your cheek

and teeth. The same method applies to the front

teeth. Loose lips will allow you to get your teeth and

gum tissue cleaner. Remember to brush all surfaces

with small circular strokes with a light touch. Applying

too much pressure can do more harm than good.


Flossing also requires a soft

touch. When you floss, gently

guide the floss between the

teeth and then “hug” each

tooth with the string.

It’s a technique that

takes a while to

master so don’t get

discouraged if the first

few times all you feel

you’ve accomplished

is cutting off the

circulation to your fingers!


If the finger method doesn’t work for you, then

consider using a floss holder. The type of flosser

you use doesn’t matter as long as it allows you

to get those hard to reach back teeth. No

matter the method, be sure the floss is clean of

debris from tooth to tooth. Otherwise, you’re just

giving the bacteria and plaque a free ride

around your mouth.


The last tip on brushing and flossing is knowing

when to ask for help. Bleeding gums, shredding

floss, and foul odors could all be a sign of a more

serious problem.

Make sure you spend some quality time with this

dynamic duo at least twice a day. Your smile will

Thank You!

If you are looking for a highly qualified family dentistry team, schedule an

appointment with us online at http://www.hensleedentalteam.com/

schedule-an-appointment/or call us at (210) 598-5321.


http://www.hensleedentalteam.com/schedule-an-appointment/

Health & Medicine

Top Ten List for Healthier Smiles: #2, The Dynamic Duo: Brushing and Flossing