Toothbrushing

The elusive toothbrushing! How many times have you heard your parents ask you if you brushed your teeth? And as parents, how many times do you repeat this phrase each week? Probably too many to count.

Fortunately, toothbrushing has been part of the healthy lifestyle of most Quebeckers for some time. It’s a ritual that has become automatic, but habits can make you forget some basic rules. Here are a few reminders and tips to keep in mind.

Brush your teeth well

Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Once after having breakfast in the morning and once at night before going to bed.

For successful toothbrushing, you need to:

• Put a little toothpaste on your brush
• Brush each tooth starting from the junction between the gum and the tooth, keeping the toothbrush at an angle of about 45 degrees
• Rotate the brush gently because brushing too hard can irritate the gums and contribute to tooth decay
• Clean the entire surface of the tooth
• Brush for about two minutes
• Don’t forget to brush your tongue

Choosing the right toothbrush

Wondering what to choose when faced with the range of toothbrushes available at a drugstore near you? Here are some things to consider:

• The head of the toothbrush should be small enough and round enough to reach each of your teeth
• You should choose a brush with soft or even extra-soft bristles, especially if you tend to brush hard. This type of toothbrush will allow you to preserve your gums longer.
• It’s time to change the brush when the bristles become curled or when there’s a milky layer at the base of the bristles.

Flossing

Do you get anxious every time your dentist asks if you floss regularly? Not many people can claim to floss all the time. Nevertheless, flossing is still important because brushing removes about 70% of plaque while flossing takes care of the rest.

If you don’t floss, plaque will turn into tartar and tartar can cause gum and bone disease (i.e., gingivitis and periodontitis). In addition, it’s important to note that only a dentist can remove tartar.

To properly floss, you should:

• Break off about 30 centimetres of floss or more.
• Wrap the thread around both middle fingers so you have a thread of about five centimetres between the two hands.
• Pass the floss on both sides of the tooth, moving gently beneath the gum.

You’re now equipped to maintain good dental hygiene, which can help you avoid future dental problems!

If you need to book a consultation for dental hygiene or for any other issue, make an appointment now or check out the range of services offered by our team of professionals.