Everyone is familiar with brushing and flossing – the two most important parts of at-home dental hygiene. Even though they are part of people’s daily routines, not everyone is getting the full benefit of these activities. Our clinic’s periodontists in Nashville and Brentwood, TN, would like to encourage the people in our community to resolve to improve their at-home dental hygiene in 2016. The Nashville Periodontal Group team would like to share a few tips to help you get the new year started right.

Easy Ways to Improve Your Daily Brushing

Improving the way you care for your teeth at home is simple. Here are a few tips you can implement right away:

  • Replace any toothbrush with bent, worn, or fraying bristles. Worn out brushes do not clean teeth as well.
  • Make sure that you are brushing your teeth for two full minutes. Use a small timer in the bathroom to ensure that you are cleaning thoroughly.
  • Use circular, vertical, and horizontal brushing motions. Scrubbing your teeth is not necessary.
  • Be sure to clean all surfaces of the tooth – top and both sides.

If you are helping young children brush their teeth, encourage them to adopt good brushing habits, too. Brush together to make sure that two full minutes are spent on the task. 

What About Flossing?

Flossing is a once-daily activity that clears away bacteria deposits that brushing cannot. Floss slips down between teeth to clean the narrow spaces. Glide floss back and forth to coax it down; never force floss between teeth or you might catch your gum. A small plastic floss holder can help. 

Get Personalized Oral Health Advice

If you are concerned about the health of your teeth and gums, talk to one of the periodontists at the Nashville Periodontal Group. We can help treat gum disease and many other oral health concerns. Make your appointment by calling (615) 457-8293.