Are you cleaning your teeth the proper way? You might know about the methods used to clean teeth but doing them correctly makes a huge difference. One major ailment that regular at home teeth cleaning can protect your from is developing a periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is one that can require deep cleaning at a dental facility to regularly treat. Studies show that the risk of developing periodontal disease rises with age, about 70.1% of people aged 65 years and up have a form of periodontal disease. In addition, 47.2 % of people 30 years and up have a form of periodontal disease. In this post, we will be discussing four teeth cleaning methods and how to properly perform them.
- Brushing ? Chances are, you’ve brushed your teeth many times throughout your life. However, did you know that there is actually a recommended way to brush your teeth? One thing that many of us are guilty of is brushing our teeth with too much force. It’s easy to think that pushing down harder on a toothbrush will get teeth cleaner. However, that extra force can actually harm the teeth and cause them to move slightly. Instead of applying force, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and lightly move the brush around all areas of the teeth.
- Flossing ? You’ve likely heard all about the importance of floss. It’s not just something your parents told you to do, flossing can help remove plaque buildup from your teeth. Dentists want you to floss regularly to ensure your teeth stay clean. There are many varieties of floss available. It is recommended that you find a floss that feels comfortable with your teeth spacing. Some people have teeth that are naturally closer together which would make a thinner floss more suitable. Recent research shows that one in five people of the United States has a cavity that is untreated. Flossing is a great way to reduce the risk of you developing a cavity.
- Mouthwash ? Washing your mouth is one of the easiest teeth cleaning recommendations in all of the dentistry field. There aren’t many steps involved in washing your mouth out. However, you will want to ensure that you are effectively moving around the mouthwash while it is in your mouth. Swishing the liquid around will help to ensure that it reaches all areas of plaque build up. Finding a flavor of mouthwash that you already enjoy is an important aspect of choosing the right product. If you already like spearmint, it would make sense that you choose a spearmint flavored mouthwash.
- Water Flossing Device ? While not an actual replacement for flossing, using a water flossing device has grown in popularity. A water flossing device is usually handheld with a small spout to release water out of. The user of a water flossing device would put the device in their mouth and then small jets of water clean the surfaces and in between areas of the teeth. A device that uses jets of water to clean your mouth can take getting used to. Most water flossing devices will have different options for the release of water. If you are new to the world of a water flossing device, it is recommended you start on a low setting to get used to this device. As you grow more comfortable
In conclusion, practicing proper cleaning techniques in the field of dentistry can really help you out. Brushing is the main way that you likely clean your teeth. Ensuring you are placing less pressure on teeth when brushing can reduce the risk of teeth shifting. Flossing is one of the most important cleaning methods in all of the dentistry field. Flossing enables you to reach places that brushing may not touch. Washing your mouth is a simple but effective teeth cleaning method when combined with brushing and flossing. Lastly, a water flossing device can help to quickly remove food particles, especially after a meal. Certain cosmetic dentistry procedures done may require that you start a teeth cleaning program beforehand. However, this will depend on the condition the teeth are in, each patient will vary.