Reasons to Resolve to Improve Your Dental Habits | Huntington Beach Dentist

Here we are again – on the brink of a new year. And while things may not be normalized in the world, we can have some type of control in our lives. And the new year is always the time we stop and reflect on what improvements we’d like to see in the new year. One area that is generally overlooked when considering resolutions is our dental routine. Dental health is important because it can influence other health issues. 

Did you know that the average person spends around 30 seconds brushing their teeth, compared to the recommended two minutes? Yes, the same amount of time you should be washing your hands is the same amount of time that you should be brushing your teeth. So, let’s start these new routines with a refresher course:

  • Brush twice a day for at least two minutes each session
  • Floss once a day before you sleep
  • Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash before you brush to loosen particles
  • Limit the daily snacks consumed, especially those full of sugar
  • Visiting the dentist every 3-6 months for regular checkups and professional cleaning

When brushing your teeth, make sure that every surface is brushed and cleaned as thoroughly as possible. Use short, gentle strokes with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying extra attention to your gums, the back teeth and areas around dental work.

As for flossing, start with about 18 inches or so of floss, hold it between your thumbs and index fingers, then gently slide it in between the gaps of your teeth. Slowly move the floss back-and-forth to bring it away from your teeth without causing any harm. Keep up the good work!

If you would like to find out more about improving your dental health , contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

Everything You Need to Know About Flossing | Huntington Beach

A survey conducted by the American Dental Association revealed that adults would rather do something they find awful than floss. But why? Whether we’re too busy or too lazy, flossing has become the one daily task we drag our feet about. Unfortunately, flossing is much more important than we think.

Flossing is merely the act of wrapping a piece of string around your teeth, one by one, in order to remove any bacteria and excess material stuck between each tooth. In its conception, floss was made in China from strands of silk, but nowadays it comes from thin filament cord. Some are waxed, some are electric, or water based. There are also handy tools available on the market that help facilitate you in flossing properly, whether you need help reaching all of your teeth or working your way around complicated dental work. So, you really have no excuse.

As for the process, cut yourself a piece of floss about 18 inches long. Wrap both sides around your fingers until you have a good two inches separating either side. Pull it taut and with a downward zigzag motion, slide the floss around each tooth in a curved motion. No particular order necessary to do it right. Work from top to bottom or vice versa. Floss before you brush your teeth or after. Floss is used to fine tune your dental habits for the cleanest mouth possible. Preventative measures lead to fewer emergency dental visits, so make sure you keep flossing in your daily dental routine.

If you would like to find out more about floss, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.