One key to activating the value of toothpastes is creating foam when appropriately brushing. In today’s post, let’s examine the unique role of foam.
Get that foam foaming
Working up a good foam is achieved by pre-wetting the toothbrush, then attacking at a 45 rather than 90 degree angle. The foaming aids in dislodging food debris from nooks and crannies in the mouth. Go ahead and swish it around at the completion of brushing to pick up any stragglers. The abrasives in toothpaste are designed to polish the teeth without damaging the enamel.
Hard or soft toothbrush?
Because of the abrasives, soft toothbrushes are perfect for proper brushing. Harder bristles can put the enamel and gum line at risk. When the gum line recedes from aggressive brushing (or any other cause) a patient may experience tooth pain, increased build-up and decay, tooth structure weakening, and in severe cases, tooth loss.
Fluoride is your enamel’s best friend
As you eat and drink throughout the day, the sugars and acids wash over your teeth. This makes the enamel softer. You want to help your enamel harden back up every day to protect your teeth from decay. That’s where the miracle mineral, fluoride comes in.
The fluoride in the toothpaste promotes remineralization when the paste has been rubbed around on all surfaces of all teeth in the entire mouth. This takes time so be sure you brush for at least 2-3 minutes.
Moreover, remember that flossing is important and rounds out the 5 minutes each day to give you healthy, pain-free chewing for years and years to come.
To recap:
- Wet a soft bristle toothbrush
- Use fluoridated toothpaste
- Brush at 45 degree angle
- Brush gently for 2-3 minutes
- Cover every surface of every tooth
- Swish around in mouth before spitting out
- Floss gently around each tooth and don’t overlook the back surface of the rear molars
- Rinse out debris
A fluoride rinse gives extra protection
After brushing and flossing, consider swishing with a fluoride rinse. Note that we’re not talking about an alcohol-based mouthwash. A fluoride rinse is not designed primarily to freshen breath (though keeping your teeth healthy will help your breath), it’s designed to strengthen and protect your teeth and gums. Remember, don’t rinse with water after swishing and spitting. You want the rinse to be the last substance on your teeth before you go to bed.
Visit Mantis Dentistry & Implant Center in Wilmette
This article is brought to you by Mantis Dentistry & Implant Center, an esteemed dental practice in Wilmette. We are committed to dental education and confident smiles for all.
Doctor Dino Mantis has been serving Wilmette area families since 1989. We are located at 1625 N. Sheridan Rd. in Wilmette. Contact us at 847-256-4776.
Ask us about our dental payment options, accepted insurance companies, and the general and cosmetic care we offer. And brush well until we see you, it will be worth every foamy second!
Contact Mantis Dentistry & Implant Center:
847-256-4776
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1625 N. Sheridan Rd.
Wilmette, Illinois
60091
