How Tooth Brushing Prevents Gum Disease - General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day. In this post from Dennis J. Coleman DDS in Davidson, we’ll talk about why this is so important.

Brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and carefully flossing removes food debris from teeth and cleans away plaque build-up.

If we let food stay on our teeth, the starches in it combine with the plaque. This nasty mixture forms an acid which immediately starts drilling into the enamel to form cavities. Brushing can’t get all the spaces between your teeth, so you’ve got to floss also.

Brushing and flossing keeps gums and bone healthy.

When You Brush…

Be sure to get all over your teeth: the front and the sides, inside and out, and the tops. When you to the sides, be sure you brush along the gumline. Use a gentle touch, and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle.

As you do the front and side surfaces, move the brush in gentle, circular strokes. Make sure you brush for at least two minutes.

Use a pea-sized blob of fluoridated toothpaste – or more than a pea-sized, if you prefer. Too much is no big deal, but be sure to use enough.

At Dennis J. Coleman DDS in Davidson, we want all of our patients to enjoy clean teeth and healthy gums. Brush and floss twice a day, and see us for a checkup every six months. We offer general and restorative dentistry. Call our office today!