As another New Year's is here and now is the time to start improving your dental care habits. According to the American Dental Association, brushing and flossing are the cornerstones of an effective oral hygiene routine. Good brushing techniques can help ensure that both your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout the next year if it is always done in conjunction with flossing. Flossing allows you to remove food bits and plaque from the areas beneath your gum lines and in between your teeth that the bristles of your toothbrush cannot reach. Here are some brushing and flossing resolutions you can work into 2017 that can help you have a beautiful smile all year long.

Use the Right Tooth Brush

You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush for gentle brushing. It should have a shape and size that can fit your mouth and allow you to easily reach all the exposed surfaces of your teeth. You should also replace your toothbrush on a regular basis, at least every three to four months and sooner if the bristles have become worn and frayed as they will be ineffective in properly cleaning your teeth.

Brush Your Teeth Regularly

You should brush your teeth at least twice every day. Preferably, this should be done after every time you eat. Make sure at least one of your brushing times is right before you go to bed. This is to prevent the bacteria in your mouth from using any of the food particles to form plaque while you are asleep.

Brush Correctly

It can be tempting to rush through your brushing routine, but you should take the time to do a thorough job. This means moving your toothbrush in a back and forth motion at a 45-degree angle to your gums. You should focus on the all of the exposed surfaces of your teeth. For the inside surfaces, you should angle your brush vertically and make repeated up-an-and-down strokes. You should also brush your tongue to remove bacteria and to freshen your breath.

Always Floss

Along with brushing, cleaning between your teeth each day is necessary to remove plaque. Plaque that is allowed to adhere to any surface of your teeth long enough will harden into tartar or calculus, substances that can only be removed by your dentist.

Be Persistent

If flossing hurts or you have difficulty with completing it, don’t give up. Try changing the flossing tool you use. Pre-threaded flossers, dental pics, water flossers, wooden plaque removers and minuscule brushes can all effectively reach the areas between your teeth.

If you are concerned about the state of your dental health, give us a call at Premier Dental Care. We welcome new patients, both children and adults. Our dedicated staff can provide you with the personalized dental services you need.