What is the most effective way to brush and floss?
 
Brushing and flossing will help maintain a healthy oral foundation. At Azmodent Smile Design Dental Group, we recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Using modified Bass technique, place your toothbrush in a 45-degree angle in reference to the long axis of the tooth, at the junction where the tooth and the gum meets (gingival sulcus). Then, using gentle semi-circular motion and in an orderly fashion, gently brush the buccal surfaces (the surface closest to your cheeks), the lingual surfaces (the surface closest to your tongue), and lastly, the occlusal surfaces (chewing surfaces). This should last for 3-5 minutes. To aid you with your timing, it is recommended to use an egg timer. Ideally, you should be brushing after every meal, however, brushing after breakfast in the morning, and before bedtime at night is an absolute must.
At least once per day, preferably, before bedtime, use approximately 18 inches of waxed floss, wrap it around your middle fingers, and gently guide the floss using your thumb and pointing finger pass through the contact of the teeth. Please start flossing in an orderly fashion, and make sure that you do not snap the floss, as it is sharp and could potentially cut the gingiva (gum) between your teeth. Unlike your skin, once the gingiva is cut, it cannot fully heal itself. Once the floss passes the contact of the teeth, you will need to wrap the floss around the curve of each tooth, going deep inside the sulcus (similar to the space inside sleeves of your shirt). Once in the sulcus (pocket), the shape that the floss needs to form is similar to letter ‘C’, going in the motion of up and down, and back and forth on each tooth. Subsequently, you will need to repeat the same procedure for the adjacent tooth, and gently pull the floss through. Changing the area of the floss, repeat the flossing procedure as described for your entire dentition.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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