Preventive Dentistry in Surrey: Brushing and Flossing

Preventive Dentistry in Surrey: Brushing and Flossing

It’s assumed that brushing and flossing is part of everyone’s routine. However, the figures seem to suggest that this isn’t the case. As a dental clinic that practices Preventive Dentistry in Surrey, we know the importance of a good oral health routine.

The Facts

Data collected by the Canadian Health Measures Survey stated that from 2007 to 2009 only about three quarters of the Canadian population brush twice a day. The data is similar to data from the UK; the UK data also stated that one third of men don’t brush their teeth twice a day.

The Canadian survey also stated that only 28% floss at least 5 times a week.

Other studies have also found that one in ten people actually stated they have a tendency to forget brushing their teeth.

A dental habits survey done in the United States found that of the people surveyed 18.5% don’t floss their teeth.

Tips for Brushing and Flossing

Brush for at least two minutes. For the most part, people usually don’t brush for the full two minutes. One way that you can make sure that you’ve reached the two minute mark is to hum or silently sing a song that’s at least two minutes long. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious clocks in at 2:03 and might be a good song to use for your children, for example.

That you shouldn’t multi-task when brushing your teeth. If you’re distracted you may not be brushing your teeth properly and you may miss sections of your teeth. It’s also possible that you won’t be brushing for at least 2 minutes.

You shouldn’t let your children brush their teeth unsupervised until they’re at least 8 years old. Children younger than 8 may be unable to brush some hard to reach places. It will also help them in developing good oral hygiene habits.

Before you stow your toothbrush while you’re travelling, make sure that it’s somewhat dry. And as soon as you reach your destination, you should take your toothbrush out. Leaving a wet toothbrush in its case is an invitation to bacteria because the moist environment will only cause them to grow. This also goes for storing your toothbrush at home. The likelihood for bacteria to grow on your toothbrush when it’s unexposed is lower than when you keep your brush in a closed container.

As the dental clinic who knows the importance of preventive dentistry in Surrey, we can tell you that flossing will help prevent you from getting gum disease. This is because flossing removes plaque in the places where toothbrushes can’t reach. According to the Canadian Dental Association, by neglecting to floss, you will also leave one-third of the surface of your tooth unclean, which will lead to plaque and tartar buildup; this is what may lead to gingivitis or even periodontitis.

Flossing at night is also considered to be more effective than in the morning.

With the facts above and the tips, hopefully you’ve gained more information with regards to the importance of brushing and flossing and preventive dentistry in Surrey.