Two Brushes a Day Keeps the Bacteria Away

What’s one of the first things you do when you wake up in the morning? No not press snooze on the alarm clock, were talking about brushing your teeth! Taking care of your oral health is a daily task, but morning isn’t the only time you take care of your teeth.

Brushing should be done in the morning, after meals and before bedtime. It is important that you are at least brushing your teeth (and braces if you are under treatment) once a day to keep your teeth clean.

Brushing Tips:

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• Step 1 – Starting at one side of the mouth on upper teeth, position the brush so that the bristles angle downward beneath the arch wire. Brush 1-2 teeth at a time, and do 5-6 circular motions in each area.
• Step 2 – Repeat Step 1, except angle bristles upward beneath the arch wire.
• Step 3 – Brush again without angling the bristles using a gentle, circular motion between the gum line and the braces.
• Step 4 – Repeat Steps 1-3 for the lower teeth. Remember to brush the back and biting surfaces of all your teeth as well 

In addition to brushing you should also be flossing regularly. Flossing helps get the food particles and bacteria your tooth brush may not be able to reach. Flossing should be done every day, but 3 days a week is acceptable.

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Flossing Tips:

• Step 1 – Starting between the first two teeth on one side of your mouth, insert the stiff end of Super Floss between the teeth and above the arch wire for the upper teeth and beneath the arch wire for the lower teeth. Move floss in an up-and-down motion (not a sawing motion) between contacts of the two teeth.
• Step 2 – Remove floss and then reinsert floss between the next two teeth. Repeat this procedure until all the teeth have been completed.

So your daily routine should consist of brushing, flossing and rinsing (with water or over-the-counter fluoride rinse) to retain good oral health.