Prevention is the key to excellent oral health for life. But prevention must be a collaborative effort between patient and dentist.
Your dentist in Kingsport, TN follows best practices and agrees with most dentists that you should have dental exams and teeth cleanings every six months—more if you have been diagnosed with a condition like gum disease.
Equally as important is how often you brush and floss your teeth.
Recommendations for Brushing and Flossing from Your Kingsport, TN Dentist
Your dentist recommends flossing first because it may move debris from between teeth that you can then clear away with your brush.
When flossing, be sure to use a clean section of floss each time you move between teeth. You can wrap floss around two fingers and unwind as you go. You should also be gentle when flossing. Never force your floss or pull too hard, especially near the gum tissue. You should move in the direction of each tooth as you go.
Brushing effectively means hitting each tooth on all surfaces and spending time. You also want to brush gently in a circular motion, being sure to clean the gums as well. You should also clean your tongue as a final step.
As far as how often you should brush and floss, your dentist suggests twice daily and always before going to bed for the night if you’ve had a final snack or beverage since your last session. If you have gingivitis or gum disease, your dentist will prescribe a more customized routine to help restore you to better oral health.
Your dentist or hygienist can provide more personalized recommendations as well to help you make the most of your at-home regimen.
For Quality Dentistry Near Me, Contact Our Dental Office
If it’s time for your next checkup and cleaning, or if you have any questions, call our dental office at (423) 239-8021.