Want the best smile in the Big Apple? Brushing your teeth properly can go a long way. Let’s take a look at the proper technique for brushing your teeth and safeguarding your smile in NYC.
By now, probably every New Yorker has heard that you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Following these directions is crucial because it can help ensure good oral health. Two minutes of brushing will give you time to brush each tooth and will also give the fluoride in your toothpaste enough time to start remineralizing your teeth.
That said, a lot of folks in NYC don’t understand how to properly brush their teeth and the wrong habits could actually harm your oral health. We’ve helped countless patients in Brooklyn improve their teeth-brushing technique and oral health habits, so get in touch if you need assistance. For now, let’s look at some basic teeth-brushing tips everyone in New York should know.
What Type of Toothbrush Should New Yorkers Use?
First, if you want to brush your teeth properly, you need to have the right teeth-brushing gear. Many people in NYC make the mistake of selecting a hard toothbrush. In practice, however, most people will be better served by a soft toothbrush. Hard bristles can harm your enamel, while soft bristles are less likely to damage your teeth and gums.
If you damage the enamel of your teeth, they could end up being more sensitive to hot and cold drinks. You may also be at increased risk of things like cavities. Further, hard bristles could cut your gums, leading to bleeding and increasing the risk of oral infections and other complications. Whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush, soft bristles are the way to go.
If you live in New York City and need help with selecting the right toothbrush, schedule a teeth cleaning at Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn. Beyond cleaning your teeth, we can help you select the right toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and more.
What Type of Toothpaste Should I Use in NYC?
Fluoride toothpaste is a must for pretty much everyone in New York. Fluoride helps your teeth remineralize and can help reduce the risk of damage from acid created by bacteria. Without fluoride toothpaste, New Yorkers will be at increased risk of things like cavities.
Also, it’s often best to avoid whitening toothpastes as they contain abrasives that could damage your tooth enamel. If you’d like to whiten your teeth, you should work with a cosmetic dentist in Brooklyn. We can offer you safer but more effective teeth whitening solutions.
What Should I Use to Floss Teeth in New York?
You can use regular string floss or floss picks to floss your teeth in NYC. If you find floss hard to use, consider using a water flosser instead. These tools use powered jets of water to clean between teeth. You should floss every day. If you have any further questions, contact our dental clinic in Brooklyn.
Proper Teeth Brushing Techniques Every New Yorker Should Know
Envision yourself standing in front of the mirror in your NYC apartment. Now, smile for the mirror (and your toothbrush). You’ll start brushing your teeth by scrubbing the outer, forward-facing enamel, going from back to front. Don’t brush too hard, and you don’t need to move especially fast. Instead, take your time and slowly brush in a circular motion going over every tooth individually. When you’re done with the front of your teeth, tilt the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, then gently brush your gums with long, slow brush motions.
Next, open your smile and repeat the same process with the interior surfaces of your teeth. Some dental patients here in Brooklyn forget to brush the inside of their teeth but this can lead to major oral health problems. Make sure you get behind every tooth and be especially careful not to skip the front teeth. If you have kids, you’ll need to exercise patients and be diligent to ensure they are brushing all of their teeth. Need help with pediatric dentistry? Schedule an appointment with the best pediatric dentists in Brooklyn by contacting us.
After the inside of your teeth are scrubbed, it’s time to brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Start at the back (bottom or top) and slowly scrub the tops of 1 to 2 teeth at a time, patiently making your way around your smile. Make sure you get back behind your rear molars.
Follow the steps above and brush twice a day for two minutes each go around and you’ll be on your way to having one of the best smiles in Brooklyn. If you find your teeth aren’t getting clean enough, or that your teeth are becoming sensitive to hot and cold drinks, contact your dentist. Looking for a top-notch dentist in Brooklyn? Contact Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn.
Proper Tooth Flossing Habits Every New Yorker Should Use
Proper brushing habits will go a long way toward improving your NYC smile. However, flossing is also crucial. We’ve outlined the right approach to flossing below, but stop by our Brooklyn dental practice if you need more help. We love helping New Yorkers perfect their smile.
Get the Right Type of Dental Floss
Dental floss comes in various types, such as waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored, and tape or string. Choose the type that you find most comfortable and effective. You can also use floss picks. You’ll find plenty of great options at the many convenience stores around NYC.
Use Plenty of Floss
Don’t skimp when it comes to dental floss. Cut a piece of dental floss that is about 18 inches long. This allows you to use a clean section of floss for each tooth. If you use floss picks, it’s wise to use a new one after every one to two teeth cleaned.
Wrap the Floss Ends Around Your Fingers
Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers, leaving about 1-2 inches of floss to work with. Then wrap the floss around your index or middle fingers on both hands and leave a small section (about 1-2 inches) between your fingers to work with.
Glide the Floss Back and Forth
Gently slide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Be careful not to snap or force the floss, as this can damage your gums.
Form a C-Shape With the Floss String
Next, form a “C” shape with the floss around each tooth. Gently slide the floss up and down along the side of each tooth and under the gumline. Curve the floss around the base of the tooth in a C-shape to ensure you reach everything.
Clean Both Sides With the Floss
If you want to enjoy great oral health in New York, you need to clean both sides of each tooth, moving to a clean section of floss as needed. Pay particular attention to the back teeth, where plaque and debris often accumulate.
Be Gentle With Those Big Apple Teeth
Floss gently to avoid damaging the gums. If you experience bleeding or discomfort, it may be a sign of gum disease, and you should speak to your dentist.
Looking for a dentist in Brooklyn? Get in touch with Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn. We can help ensure you maximize your oral health. We also offer a variety of cosmetic dental procedures that can brighten and whiten your smile. We also love working with kids, so if they need help getting up to speed, get in touch.