3 Out of 4 Dentist in NJ Recommend Proper Brushing and Flossing

When surveyed, 3 of 4 dentist in NJ report that most patients wait too long and ignore simple tooth care principles leading to long and sometimes painful dental visits. By following these brushing and flossing techniques you will avoid more frequent and less painful dentist visits in the future. As unbelievable as it may seem, many adults have never been shown the right way to brush and floss their teeth. Most dental hygienist report, "I am constantly amazed and more than a little uncomfortable as I hand a patient a mirror and begin demonstrating how to properly brush and floss their teeth. More often than not I usually get the same reply,That is the first time I've been shown that, I can't believe all these years I was doing it wrong."

Tooth Brushing Tips

Make your choice of a new toothbrush a soft bristled one. Removing plaque is the ultimate goal of brushing your teeth. Building up on the gum line, plaque is soft bacteria that collects on your teeth. If you were to choose a medium or hard bristle toothbrush you will undoubtedly remove more than plaque. You'll be removing enamel and gum tissue as well.

You can do damage with a soft bristled toothbrush, too.

Although it is still possible to damage enamel and gum tissue with a soft bristled toothbrush it is a lot less likely. Inspect your toothbrush every couple of weeks checking for signs of wear. If the bristles are starting to separate. You are brushing way too hard. Loosen your grip on the toothbrush handle, placing it between your thumb along with your index and middle finger. Position the brush at a 45 degree angle and utilize a gentle circulatory motion. Be careful not to miss any of your tooth surface and brush for at least 2 minutes finishing up with your tongue. The tongue is a major area that bacteria can build up on.

Some people prefer to use electric toothbrushes. If an electric toothbrush is your toothbrush of choice I highly recommend them. The process is the same as with a manual toothbrush except the electric toothbrush performs the circular motion. Which ever toothbrush you choose manual or electric alway brush at least 2 times a day. It should be the last task of the day before you tun in for the night. This ensures that plaque can not do its damage while you are asleep and your mouth is sedentary.


Dental Flossing Tips

"I have not flossed as often as recommended." This is without a doubt the most often uttered phrase from most dentist in NJ patients. When? and how often should you floss? Preferably, once a day before you retire to bed. Because plaque constantly builds on your teeth flossing less than once a day is not recommended by most dentists. If allowed to remain on your teeth undisturbed for long periods of time allows the bacteria to do most of its damage. We all know that plaque is harmful but left undisturbed for 24 hours a physical reaction takes place in our body. In an attempt to protect us from the harmful effects of bacteria, and reduce the amount of exposure of plaque the blood vessels in your mouth widen to release fighter cells to attack the plaque. This process commonly refered to as gingivitis is a protective mechanism that our body naturally produces in an effort to kill the harmful bacteria of plaque. There is a down side to gingivitis though. With the widened blood vessels in the mouth present our gums bleed easier. It is not good for your gums to be in a constant state of inflammation as it may lead to gum disease. So the alternative it to help those fighter cells and reduce the amount of time your gums are under attack by brushing and flossing as prescribed.
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So, how do you properly floss? Proper flossing is a simple process. Dispense about a foot of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Then wind a small amount of floss around your other middle finger. Using your index and thumbs ease the floss between your teeth. Guide the floss all the way up the length of one tooth to just under the gum line. Form the letter "C" with the floss around the tooth and guide it up and down a few times. Move the floss to the next tooth and repeat the same process. Remove the floss with a gentle tug and wind the used portion of floss around the middle finger with the lesser of the unused floss. Unravel more clean floss and move to the next tooth. When you have flossed between all of your teeth rinse with water.


One final tip for a healthy mouth and bright smile is to visit your local dentist in NJ at least twice a year. If you follow this regiment then your dentist visits will be a much more pleasurable experience.

Dentist in New Jersey FAQ's and a Public Service Announcement

Ever wondered, What is the Difference Between a DDS and a DMD? or What is TMJ? Find answers to these and many other questions at Dentist in NJ Directory.

Here is another animated public service announcement from the American Dental Association. Features Wendall (Windal?) the Dental Wizard who transforms a cookie jar into a healthy snack factory.

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