How to Brush and Floss Correctly to Reduce the Risk of Gum Recession

Your gums play a vital role in keeping your teeth healthy and secure. At Sunbury Dental House, we see many patients who aren’t aware that improper brushing and flossing can actually contribute to gum recession. Let’s go over how to properly brush and floss to protect your gums and keep your smile looking its best.

Gentle Brushing Technique is Key

One of the biggest mistakes people make is brushing too hard. It might feel like you’re doing a thorough job, but aggressive brushing can wear away gum tissue over time, leading to gum recession. Here’s how to avoid this:

• Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: A soft-bristled brush is gentle on your gums while still being effective at removing plaque and food particles.
• Hold Your Brush at a 45-Degree Angle: Point the bristles towards the gumline, where your teeth and gums meet. This helps target plaque without scrubbing the gums too harshly.
• Use Gentle Circular Motions: Avoid back-and-forth scrubbing. Instead, use gentle, circular motions to brush each tooth’s front, back, and chewing surface.
• Two-Minute Rule: Brush for at least two minutes twice a day. Don’t rush the process. Thoroughness is key to keeping your gums healthy.

Gentle brushing habits go a long way in preserving your gums and preventing recession.

Electric Toothbrushes: A Great Alternative

If you’re prone to brushing too hard, an electric toothbrush could be your new best friend. With built-in pressure sensors, these brushes alert you when you’re applying too much force. Plus, their consistent motion offers an efficient way to clean your teeth and gums—gently but thoroughly.

Flossing: Don’t Skip It!

Many people skip flossing, but it’s a critical step in maintaining healthy gums. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles that cause gum irritation and inflammation, which can lead to gum recession. Here’s how to do it right:

• Use Enough Floss: Start with about 18 inches of floss, winding most around your middle fingers. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
• Be Gentle: Carefully slide the floss between your teeth and avoid snapping it into your gums. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth, moving it up and down to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.
• Use a Fresh Section: Move to a new section of floss as you go from tooth to tooth to avoid spreading bacteria.

Proper flossing keeps plaque at bay and helps protect your gums from recession.

Water Flossers: A Helpful Alternative

If traditional flossing isn’t your thing, water flossers are a fantastic alternative. They use a stream of water to clean between your teeth and along the gumline, helping to reduce plaque and improve gum health.

Preventing Gum Recession Through Good Habits

Along with proper brushing and flossing, other habits can help reduce your risk of gum recession:

• Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit Sunbury Dental House regularly for professional cleanings and to catch early signs of gum disease or recession.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for gum recession, so quitting can make a big difference.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water keeps your mouth clean and promotes saliva production, which helps protect your gums.

Consistent oral care and good habits are key to keeping your gums in great shape.

Take Action to Protect Your Gums

Maintaining healthy gums is essential for a confident smile and overall oral health. By brushing and flossing correctly, you can reduce your risk of gum recession and keep your teeth and gums in great shape. If you’re noticing any signs of gum recession or have concerns about your oral hygiene routine, reach out to us at Sunbury Dental House. We’re here to help with personalised care and expert advice.

Call Us Today!

Don’t let gum recession take a toll on your smile. Simply call Sunbury Dental House at 1800GENTLE to schedule an appointment. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional personal diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read or seen on the Site.

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