One key to activating the value of toothpaste is creating foam when effectively brushing. In today’s Twin Peaks Family Dentistry 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 assists in dislodging food debris from nooks and crannies in the mouth. Go ahead and swish it around after 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 great 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 acute 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 make certain you brush for at least 2-3 minutes.
Furthermore, remember that flossing is critical 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 the mouth before spitting out
- Floss gently around each tooth and don’t miss 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 Twin Peaks Family Dentistry in Longmont
This article is brought to you by Twin Peaks Family Dentistry, an extraordinary dental practice in Longmont. We are committed to dental education and confident smiles for all.
Ask us about our dental payment options, accepted insurance companies, and the general and cosmetic services we offer. And brush well until we see you, it will be worth every foamy second!
To design a lifetime of friendships and healthy, beautiful smiles
Contact Twin Peaks Family Dentistry:
303-774-8300
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1325 Dry Creek Dr. Ste 206
Longmont, Colorado
80503
