The Foundation of a Healthy Smile
At Mint Dental Care in Sunnyvale, CA, we believe that a healthy smile starts with a strong daily routine. While brushing is a crucial part of oral hygiene, it's only half the battle. To truly protect your teeth and gums, you need to combine brushing and flossing for a complete and effective cleaning. As your dedicated Sunnyvale general dentist, we're here to explain why this simple routine is the key to preventing common dental problems.
Why Your Oral Hygiene Routine Needs Both Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing play two distinct and equally important roles in keeping your mouth clean. Brushing removes plaque from tooth surfaces, but it can't reach between your teeth and under the gumline where bacteria love to hide. Flossing is essential for cleaning these tight spaces, removing food particles and plaque before they have a chance to harden into tartar.
Without flossing, you're missing about 40% of your tooth surfaces, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to cause issues such as bad breath, gum disease, and cavities.
The Right Way to Brush and Floss for a Stronger Defense
To get the most out of your oral hygiene routine, timing and technique matter. We recommend brushing for two minutes every morning and night. Using a timer can help ensure you give each area of your mouth the attention it needs. Flossing before you brush is also key, since flossing first loosens debris, allowing your fluoride toothpaste to work more effectively on all tooth surfaces.
If you have any oral appliances, such as aligners, it’s even more important to be diligent with your routine. Brushing and flossing are key to maintaining these appliances, as bacteria can become trapped against the enamel, increasing your risk of getting cavities if you don’t clean your teeth properly beforehand.
A Sunnyvale Dentist You Can Trust
A proper daily routine is the foundation of a healthy smile, but it’s not a substitute for professional care. Regular checkups and cleanings with your Sunnyvale general dentist are essential for removing hardened tartar, catching problems early, and ensuring your smile stays in top condition.
Ready to take your oral hygiene to the next level? Contact Mint Dental Care today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Andrew or Dr. Michelle Nguyen. We are committed to providing modern, compassionate care to help you achieve a healthy smile for life.
