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How To Brush and Floss
Brushing Your Teeth
01.
Frequency
Brush your teeth at least twice daily, ideally after meals.
02.
Duration
Aim for a minimum of two minutes each time you brush.
03.
Technique
o Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
o Use gentle, circular motions to clean the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and
chewing surfaces of all teeth.
o Tilt the brush vertically to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth with up-and-
down strokes.
04.
Tools
Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that comfortably fits in your mouth.
05.
Toothpaste
Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Flossing Your Teeth
01.
Frequency
Floss once daily, preferably before brushing your teeth.
02.
Technique
o Use a piece of dental floss about 30-45 cm long.
o Wind the floss around your middle fingers, leaving a few centimeters of floss to work with.
o Gently slide the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion.
o Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and move it up and down against the side of each tooth and under the gumline.
o Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to prevent spreading bacteria.
03.
Tools
Use dental floss, floss picks, interdental brushes, or water flossers based on your preference and dental recommendations.
Additional Tips:
1. Rinse: After brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
2. Replace: Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles are worn.
3. Dental Visits: Schedule regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings every 6-12
months for optimal oral health maintenance.
Following these brushing and flossing techniques as recommended by the Australian Dental
Association can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. For personalized
advice or concerns about your dental health, speak to us at Always Smiles Dental located in
Bankstown and the Fairfield area
Flossing for dental health
There are various types of dental floss available, and choosing the right one depends on how easily it can maneuver between your teeth. Your preferred brand should allow for smooth movement and effective cleaning.
If you have limited dexterity or find traditional flossing challenging, consider using flossing aids that require less manual effort. Our friendly dentists at Always Smiles Dental Surgery in Canley Heights and Bankstown can assist you in selecting the most suitable flossing tool for your needs.
Before brushing your teeth, follow these steps to floss effectively:
- Measure and Prepare:
- Cut an arms-length of floss, approximately 40cm long.
- Wind each end around your middle fingers, leaving a few centimeters of floss to work with.
- Grasp 2-3cm of the floss between your index (pointer) finger and thumb.
- Flossing Technique:
- Carefully glide the floss between your teeth using a gentle sawing motion.
- Avoid snapping the floss straight through the contact area, as this may cause damage to the gum tissue near the tooth.
- Angle the floss to form a "C" shape around each tooth, and gently slide it up and down, ensuring it goes slightly below the gumline.
- After cleaning one side of the tooth, angle the floss in the opposite direction and repeat the motion.
- Continue flossing all the upper and lower teeth using this technique.
- Sequence of Flossing:
- Start in a clockwise direction, beginning with your upper molars on the right side and then proceed to the lower molars on the right side.
- Unwind the floss from your fingers as you move to each set of teeth, ensuring you have a clean section of floss to use.
- Daily Routine:
- Floss every night before brushing your teeth.
- After flossing, brush your teeth thoroughly.
- Rinse your mouth with water to remove any debris and leftover toothpaste.
Consistent flossing, brushing, and rinsing are essential for maintaining optimal oral hygiene. Make it a habit to floss nightly to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your flossing technique, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dental team at Always Smiles Dental Practice in Canley Vale and Chapel Road Bankstown. We’re here to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile!
Pikster and Interdental Brushes
Using Piksters, which are interdental brushes designed to clean between your teeth and along the gumline, is an effective way to complement your oral hygiene routine. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Piksters properly:
- Select the Right Size: Choose a Piksters brush size that comfortably fits between your teeth without forcing or stretching. Sizes range from very small (purple) to extra-large (white), so find the size that suits your interdental spaces.
- Prepare the Piksters Brush: Gently bend the brush head slightly to create a slight curve, making it easier to reach between your teeth.
- Insert the Brush Between Teeth: Hold the Piksters brush between your thumb and forefinger, like a pencil. Insert the brush between your teeth at a 90-degree angle to the gumline. Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to guide the brush between each pair of teeth. Avoid forcing the brush into tight spaces; it should slide in comfortably.
- Clean Along the Gumline: Once inserted, move the brush in and out a few times to remove plaque and debris. Angle the brush slightly towards the gumline to ensure thorough cleaning. Be gentle to avoid causing discomfort or damaging your gums.
- Rinse and Repeat: After cleaning between one set of teeth, rinse the Piksters brush under running water to remove any debris. Move to the next pair of teeth and repeat the process. Use a new Piksters brush as needed to ensure cleanliness and effectiveness.
- Complete Your Routine: Use Piksters once a day, preferably in the evening before brushing your teeth. Follow up with brushing your teeth using fluoride toothpaste and rinsing with water. Maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings to monitor your oral health.
- Tips for Beginners: If you're new to using Piksters or interdental brushes, start with smaller sizes and gradually work your way up as you become more comfortable. If you experience any discomfort or bleeding while using Piksters, consult your dentist for advice on proper technique and brush size.
Incorporating Piksters into your daily oral care routine can effectively remove plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach areas between your teeth. For personalized guidance on using Piksters or other interdental cleaning tools, consult your dental professional at Always Smiles Dental Clinc.
