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How To Brush Your Teeth Properly & Floss

Brushing & Flossing Are Important Parts of Oral Hygiene

We have all inherited different genetics; some have inherited remarkably strong teeth, while others have inherited teeth with dental problems, which can impact overall dental health. Devoting a few minutes a day to thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth can help do away with plaque and preserve your teeth.

Daily flossing and brushing are essential habits to remove plaque. Making these practices a regular habit helps prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to tooth decay, infection, and periodontal disease.

What is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria which constantly forms on your teeth. If left undisturbed, plaque turns into hard deposits called calculus (also known as tartar), which is why removing plaque is crucial for oral health. Tartar (calculus) is responsible for cavities and gum disease.

Best Practice for Brushing Your Teeth

Ideally, one should brush after every meal and snack. These days, this is hard to do because of our busy lifestyles. It is important that you brush at least twice a day, and understanding how to brush your teeth properly will enhance your effectiveness. Using fluoride toothpaste helps protect enamel and keep teeth clean. The most effective time to brush is before bed.

Most people benefit from using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head for effective cleaning, and an electric toothbrush can also be a good option. After brushing, do not rinse your mouth immediately—this allows the fluoride to remain on your teeth and protect your enamel.

Remember to brush long enough and thoroughly enough to remove the plaque from your teeth. Don’t substitute short durations with heavy scrubbing as this may cause recession.

Brushing Techniques to Remember

  1. Use a toothbrush with soft rounded-tip bristles. Hard bristles may harm your teeth and gums. Your toothbrush should allow you to reach each tooth comfortably. Children will need a smaller toothbrush. A worn-out toothbrush cannot clean your teeth properly, so remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or if it begins to fan out.

  2. Gently tilt your toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gums so you can reach the food debris just under the gum line. Massage the gum line in each spot with a gentle circular motion, then sweep the bristles across the tooth surface away from the gum. Clean both the front and back gum lines this way, and remember to brush the inside surfaces, outside surfaces, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.

  3. Brush down on your top teeth and up on your bottom teeth to prevent recession.

  4. Work the bristles of your toothbrush into the grooves of the chewing surfaces of your teeth.

  5. Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

No matter which toothbrush or method you use, what matters most is using the proper technique and making sure all surfaces—including the inside surfaces—are cleaned thoroughly every time.

Alongside daily brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups play a key role in preventing plaque buildup and maintaining long-term oral health.

Best Practice for Flossing

Brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, but you need to use dental floss to get between the teeth and keep your teeth clean. It’s best to floss before you brush; in fact, regular flossing is essential to ensure that you are removing the plaque between the teeth and allowing the foam of the fluoridated toothpaste to reach the side surfaces of the teeth to help remineralize weakened areas.

To floss properly, use about 18 inches of dental floss, gently guide it between your teeth using a rocking motion, and curve it around each tooth to clean below the gum line without irritating your gums. Interdental brushes or single-tufted brushes can also be used as effective alternatives to flossing for cleaning between teeth.

Regular flossing, along with regular visits to a dental hygienist for professional cleanings, is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

Flossing Techniques to Remember

  1. Break off about 18 inches of floss for adults. For children, the piece should be as long as their arm.
  2. Wrap the floss around the middle finger of each hand.
  3. Hold about an inch of floss tightly between your fingers (thumb and forefinger).
  4. Pull the floss between each tooth using a gentle “sawing” motion.
  5. Curve the floss tightly around your teeth at the gum line and gently scrape the sides of each tooth, moving the floss away from your gums.
  6. Remember to floss the back side of the molars and the back teeth at the back of your mouth.

If you have difficulty using traditional floss, consider alternatives like a floss pick,  dental tape, or a water flosser. These tools can make it easier to clean between your teeth, especially the back teeth. Using a floss pick can be particularly helpful for reaching your back teeth if you have limited dexterity or a sensitive gag reflex.

Here are some additional tips for effective flossing:

If you have difficulty using traditional floss, consider alternatives like a floss pick, floss picks, dental tape, or a water flosser. These tools can make it easier to clean between your teeth, especially the back teeth. Using a floss pick can be particularly helpful for reaching your back teeth if you have limited dexterity or a sensitive gag reflex.

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