October is National Oral Health Month; it is a worldwide campaign whose main objective is to promote and educate people about the importance of oral hygiene in health.
Here are some Q&As to improve your dental hygiene!
What is the correct way to brush?
Proper brushing takes at least two minutes. To brush your teeth correctly, use short, gentle strokes, paying special attention to the gum line, hard-to-reach back teeth, and areas around fillings, crowns, and other repairs.
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and Concentrate on cleaning each section thoroughly as follows:
- Clean the outer surfaces of the upper teeth and then the lower teeth
- Clean the inner surfaces of the upper teeth and then the lower teeth
- Clean the chewing surfaces
- For fresher breath, don't forget to brush your tongue as well.
What type of toothbrush should I use?
Brushes with medium or soft bristles are ideal for removing plaque and food debris from the teeth. Small-headed toothbrushes are also recommended since they reach all areas of the mouth better, even the hard-to-reach back teeth. Electric toothbrushes are an alternative, especially for those who have difficulty brushing or have limited manual dexterity.
What is the correct way to floss?
Proper flossing removes plaque and food particles from places that the toothbrush cannot easily reach: under the gum and between the teeth. Since plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is recommended. Steps to follow: - Taking 40 to 45 cm of floss, wind most of it around the ring finger, leaving 3 to 5 cm of floss to work with - Hold the floss taut between the thumb and forefinger, and gently slide it up and down between the teeth - Curve the floss gently around the base of each tooth, making sure it goes under the gum. Never bump or force the floss.
When to floss?
It’s best to floss at night when you brush your teeth before bed. This way, food particles, and plaque don’t sit on your teeth all night.
Links between Oral and General Health.
There are many types of bacteria present in our mouths, most helpful and some harmful. Harmful bacteria can cause tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, and systemic diseases that affect general health. In people with a healthy defense system, these bacteria can usually be controlled with good nutrition and oral hygiene practices like daily brushing and flossing. But when harmful bacteria grow out of control, The mouth can become a port of entry for infections by allowing harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This can lead to further inflammation in other parts of the body, such as the heart.
Having a healthy mouth helps the rest of your body stay healthy, too.
If you have any questions please call us at 212-274 8338 for a regular check-up at Empower Your Smile.
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