Created 10/8/2015
Updated 12/15/2023
Normally we believe that with a simple tooth brushing we can conclude the daily task of oral cleaning, but as you may have read in many of the published articles, having a good oral and dental hygiene prevents many problems. In this article we are going to explain what you have to do to have a good oral hygiene. We will explain how to brush your teeth, how to use mouthwash and how to floss.
Mouthwash, toothbrush and dental floss
Tooth brushing. What is the correct way to brush?
Proper brushing takes at least two minutes. That’s right: 120 seconds. Most adults do not brush for that long. In order to get an idea of the time involved, use a stopwatch. To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes, paying special attention to the gum line, hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns and other repairs. Concentrate on cleaning each section thoroughly as follows:
- Clean the external surfaces of the upper teeth and then those of the lower teeth.
- Clean the inner surfaces of the upper teeth and then the lower teeth.
- Clean the chewing surfaces.
- For fresher breath, do not forget to brush your tongue as well.
In addition to brushing your teeth, you should consider flossing and using a good mouthwash. In the following sections we explain the best practices for good dental hygiene.
What type of toothbrush should I use?
Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled toothbrush is ideal for removing plaque and food debris from teeth. Small-headed brushes are also recommended since they reach all areas of the mouth better, even the hard-to-reach back teeth. For many, an electric toothbrush is a good alternative, as it does a better job of cleaning teeth, especially for those who have difficulty brushing or limited manual dexterity.
What is the importance of the toothpaste I use?
It is important to use a toothpaste that is right for you. Today, there is a wide variety of toothpastes designed to prevent many disorders, such as caries, gingivitis, tartar, stained teeth and sensitivity. Ask your IMOI dentist or hygienist which toothpaste is right for your dental diagnosis.
How often should I replace my toothbrush?
You should replace your toothbrush when it shows signs of wear or every three months. It is also important to change toothbrushes after a cold, since the bristles accumulate germs that can cause a new infection. In our IMOI dental clinics in Barcelona and Ibiza you have professionals at your disposal to help and advise you. In this section you can see all the dental treatments we perform in our clinics.
In order to inform you better book a visit and
we will perform a complete dental study and a TAG to diagnose possible problems completely free of charge
. See everything we do on patients’ first visits for free. You can also ask your questions now, directly to our specialists, in the chat on the page orbook your free visit.
Flossing
What is the correct way to use dental floss?
Proper flossing removes plaque and food particles from places that the toothbrush cannot easily reach: under the gum and between the teeth. Since plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is recommended.
Take advantage of the benefits of flossing and adopt the following technique:
- Taking about 45 cm (18″) of floss, wind most of it around the ring finger, leaving 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2″) of floss to work with.
- Hold the floss taut between the thumbs and index fingers, and gently slide it up and down between the teeth.
- Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure it goes under the gum. Never strike or force the floss, as it may cut or injure the delicate gingival tissue.
- Use sections of clean wire as you move from tooth to tooth.
- To remove the floss, use the same back and forth motion, pulling it up and away from the teeth.
What type of floss should I use?
There are two types of dental floss:
- Nylon (or multifilament) dental floss.
- PTFE floss (monofilament)
Nylon floss can be waxed or unwaxed, and a variety of flavors are available. Since this type of floss is composed of many strands of nylon, it sometimes tears or frays, especially between teeth with tight contact points. Although more expensive, single-strand floss (PTFE) slides easily between teeth, even those with tight spaces, and generally does not fray. If used correctly, both types of floss are excellent for removing plaque and food debris. As a complement to the use of dental floss you should take into account a good toothbrushing and mouthwash.
Mouthwash. How to use it?
The first thing patients ask us in our dental clinics is: Is it good to use mouthwash?
All experts recommend proper brushing, flossing and then, and only then, using a mouthwash to help maintain a clean mouth, fresh breath and healthy teeth. Whenever it is an additional element in our daily oral hygiene the use of mouthwash is not only necessary, but also recommended, in any of its variants because these products are usually specialized in a basic issue, such as the fight against dental caries, the fight against bad breath, to help cleaning the postoperative wound, for the treatment of periodontitis, for teeth whitening, etc.
But can they replace brushing?
Evidently, no. The use of mouthwash can be added to the oral hygiene routine but in no case should it be used as a substitute for brushing or flossing.
Which mouthwash is recommended?
Not all rinses that can be found in the market are suitable to complement oral hygiene, so you should consult with your IMOI dentist to choose one or another according to your needs in each phase of your dental treatment. For example, at IMOI dental clinics, for periodontitis treatment or after dental implant surgery, we usually recommend a chlorhexidine rinse for a period not exceeding 15 days. However, in maintenance phases we do not recommend chlorhexidine rinses as they may stain the teeth.
We do not recommend mouthwashes containing alcohol. In other words, you should choose the mouthwash according to the main objective you are trying to achieve. If you want to fight against dental caries, it is essential that the mouthwash contains fluoride in its composition, if you want to avoid bad breath, a rinse with a strong dose of mint or odorous plant is essential, etc.
In short, they are a perfect complement to oral hygiene, but should be used only and exclusively after the previous process has been carried out, i.e. after brushing and flossing. Using them as a substitute does not bring any benefit and will clearly deteriorate our dental health, especially if we extend this substitution for a long time.
And finally, choose the right alcohol-free mouthwash for your needs, not the one with the most appealing advertising, and brush your teeth well. In our dental clinics in Barcelona and Ibiza you have at your disposal professionals to help and advise you.
For any questions do not hesitate to use the chat on the page, our dentists will help you.
At IMOI Barcelona and IMOI Ibiza, we follow editorial principles that guarantee the authenticity of all the information we disseminate. If you are interested in learning more about how we ensure that our content is always up-to-date and accurately supported, we invite you to review our editorial commitment.
This article has been supervised by Dr. Ferran Novell Costa and Dra. Erjona Demiraj, specialists in Dental Health and Dental Aesthetics treatments. Responsible for the treatments provided at IMOI Barcelona and IMOI Ibiza and for the supervision and/or updating of the contents of this blog entry. (7/11/2023). The recommendations described are not generic and do not replace the diagnosis and evaluation of a professional in a dental office. If you want us to clarify any aspect or you want a personalized diagnosis and advice we recommend you to come to our dental clinics.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any medium without written permission is prohibited.
