OJOOK: What are the basics of how we should brush our teeth?
Experts: Here’s the full ritual we recommend.
TRY FLOSSING FIRST
By flossing first, we create ideal conditions for the active ingredients in OJOOK toothpaste to do their job. We also recommend flossing first so that it becomes an essential step rather than an afterthought.
BRUSH SECOND
In already flossed teeth, OJOOK’s 2 hero ingredients nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) and bamboo salt will restore and refresh your teeth, on a physical and alchemical level. When brushing, gentle circular motions should be used on all surfaces of the teeth. When brushing along the gum line, hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle angle to the gums and continue using gentle circular motions.
CLEANSE THE TONGUE TO FINISH
Removing biofilm, tartar, and plaque from the tongue helps promote an optimal oral microbiome. This step will decrease bad breath and improve taste sensation.
OJOOK: Why is flossing essential?
Experts: If you don’t floss, you will leave the contact points between adjacent teeth unclean, as that area cannot be accessed easily by the toothbrush bristles. Those contact points tend to collect food debris and bacteria, so the only way of cleaning those areas is by flossing.
Flossing also helps remove bacteria nearest the gum tissue, and some of this bacteria are associated with gum disease and bone loss around the tooth roots. If you'd like to learn more about the importance of flossing, watch our Great Dental Debates episode.
OJOOK: If your gums bleed when flossing, should you keep flossing?
Experts: Don’t panic and continue flossing. Bleeding gums are usually a sign of inflammation due to a buildup of plaque. Although a lot of people fear flossing due to a misunderstanding that floss causes bleeding, by properly flossing daily, the gums get healthier, you will see less bleeding after several days, and in most cases the bleeding upon flossing stops completely within weeks. Then you will know that you’ve done a good job. If the bleeding does not subside within a couple of weeks, you may need to see your dentist as this may be an indication of a more serious problem.
OJOOK: Are 6 month regular dentist visits necessary?
Experts: 6 month check ups are important for the dentist to do a comprehensive exam. There can be situations where you may have a great oral hygiene routine, but for some reason you may be missing just one spot. (Often right handers brush their left side better than the right, or patients often need to concentrate more behind the lower front teeth or on the outside of the upper molars where the salivary ducts are located). So yes, seeing the dentist should be part of your overall oral hygiene routine so you can have a professional evaluate how you are doing.
