Home Care: Properly Brush and Floss in Orland Park, IL

You’ve likely heard the rule before: You should be brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. The two-minute rule gives the ingredients in the toothpaste time to clean while also ensuring that you are reaching every little nook and cranny within your mouth.

When it comes to brushing, make sure that you are reaching all the surface areas of your teeth, including the outer facing surface, chewing surface, and the inner surface of your tongue. Brush thoroughly and then rinse. Always brush in a circular motion. Brushing side to side can damage and scrape your gums, so focus on going more up and down in a circle than directly across. If you have especially sensitive teeth, ask your dentist which toothbrush they recommend.

You may also want to ask your dentist about any special toothpaste they may recommend for you if you have sensitive teeth or another issue that your daily routine could help address or minimize. Toothpastes for sensitive teeth are specially formulated to help reduce sensitivity to hot, cold, and certain foods, allowing you to enjoy your day with a healthier smile.

How to Floss

When it comes to flossing, you can’t just start tugging at your gums. You need to floss in a gentle motion, moving side to side to gently rub the floss down in between your teeth. Never snap the floss down into your gums as this can damage them. If you aren’t in the habit of flossing, it will be natural for your gums to bleed as you floss. When you make flossing a regular habit, your gums will be strengthened, and you will not see this bleeding any longer.

Of course, if your gums do continue to bleed for some time once you get into the habit of flossing or if the bleeding is severe and/or happens without flossing, you should reach out to your dentist and ask about it. Bleeding, especially when coupled with sensitive or tender gums, can be a sign of a more serious issue such as gum disease. This should be addressed right away.