Blast From the Past: Brushing up on the Perfect Smile!

Blast From the Past: Brushing up on the Perfect Smile! from Sammamish Dental Center in Issaquah, WAWe've got a throwback for you from the Sammamish Dental Center archives! Here is an article copied straight from our first issue of "Dental Health News," a print newsletter formerly published by Dr. Goharkhay before web blogs were around.

The information presented here may predate the most current research on dental health and should be taken as an entertaining insight to the history of SDC and of dentistry.

Let us know what you think of our old newsletter, and what topics you'd be interested in reading about in the future! As always, if there's anything you have questions about or if you need further information, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

Brushing up on the Perfect Smile!

Most of us don't think too much about brushing - it's just something that we do automatically. Our kids are shown the proper way to brush when they're at the dentists, but how many of us have had a refresher course lately? Let's take a minute now to brush up on some basic tooth brushing skills!

The first thing to do is to ensure that you have the proper toothbrush - one with soft, rounded bristles. Whether you prefer a manual or electric toothbrush, the selection of toothbrushes these days can be overwhelming, so don't be afraid to ask us for suggestions on the one that would be best for you.

When you're comfortable with your choice of toothbrush, you'll want to review these simple brushing guidelines:

  1. Don’t rush your brush! An egg timer on your bathroom counter should help you keep track of the 2 to 3 minutes that you should take to clean your teeth properly.
  2. Easy does it.. start off by placing the bristles at a 45-degree angle to your teeth, where your gums and teeth meet. Brush using a gentle touch, to avoid gum irritation or damage.
  3. Aim for an all-around, thorough cleaning – that means your chewing surface, your outer surface (“cheek side”) and your inner surface (“tongue side”). For fresh breath, don’t forget to brush your tongue too!
  4. Finally, make sure you replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or if you have battled a cold or flu in the meantime.

Now that you've mastered the proper brushing technique, don't forget about flossing! Flossing removes the plaque and debris that collects between the teeth and under the gumline, where your toothbrush can't reach. Ask us to give you a demonstration or the best flossing techniques the next time you're in the office.

Regular, thorough flossing and brushing is a simple, yet effective way to remove the bacterial plaque that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Take care of your teeth and they'll reward you with a lifetime of smiles!

Contact Us Today!

Request an appointment or call Sammamish Dental Center at (425) 340-3113 for an appointment in our Issaquah office.

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