The Basics of Brushing and Flossing are Essential for Healthy Teeth and Gums

We’ve all been taught to brush our teeth twice daily to keep our teeth and gums clean and healthy. This basic daily activity helps prevent tooth decay, which can lead to common dental problems like cavities, root canals and tooth loss. Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, a Los Angeles family dentist, has some advice on how to properly care for our teeth with some basics on choosing the best tooth brushes and dental floss. We’ve all been taught to brush our teeth twice daily to keep our teeth and gums clean and healthy. This basic daily activity helps prevent tooth decay, which can lead to common dental problems like cavities, root canals and tooth loss. A recent GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare survey of American adults found that many of us feel our dental health care habits are not as good as they should be. Many reported that they commonly skip one of the three basic dental hygiene habits that include daily brushing and flossing as well as annual dental cleanings. While 84 percent of those surveyed brushed their teeth to keep them healthy, about half reported that they had not been to the dentist for a cleaning within the last year. Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, a Los Angeles family dentist, has some advice on how to properly care for our teeth with some basics on choosing the best tooth brushes and dental floss. With dozens of toothbrushes to choose from, it is hard to know which one to choose. According to Dr. Maddahi, “Start by choosing a soft toothbrush with rounded bristles. These brushes are strong enough to clean the teeth and gums without scrubbing them to hard.” “I also recommend electric brushes for my patients that may experience difficulty brushing their teeth.  It is important to remember to replace your toothbrushes every two to three months and after colds.” Flossing is the next step in good oral care. Dr. Maddahi recommends finding the type of floss that you prefer.  Dental floss can be waxed or unwaxed, ribbon or flat, and flavored or unflavored. The type of floss is not as important as just being sure to floss every day. Regular dental check ups are essential to prevent tooth decay from damaging the teeth and causing problems such as cavities and root canals. Dr. Maddahi recommends that his patients schedule two dental visits a year for good dental health.  Click here to create a customized oral health care plan for you and your family. For more information dental-care basics, contact Dr. Maddahi to schedule a complimentary smile evaluation.