How to Brush and Floss Properly: Dentist-Approved Techniques

Dentist-Approved Brushing Techniques

It’s crucial to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, but how you brush is just as important as how frequently you brush.

Choose the Right Toothbrush

• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to prevent harm to your gums and enamel.
• Electric toothbrushes are highly recommended, especially for those with limited mobility or children.
• Every three months or when the bristles begin to fray, replace your toothbrush.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevents cavities. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for effective cleaning.

The Proper Brushing Technique

1. Maintain a 45-degree angle between your toothbrush and your gums
2. Use gentle, circular motions—not back-and-forth scrubbing.
3. Brush all surfaces: outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
4. Remember to brush the roof of your mouth and your tongue to get rid of bacteria and improve your breath.
5. Spit out toothpaste but don’t rinse with water right away—let the fluoride work longer.

How Long Should You Brush?

Aim for 2 full minutes. You can spend 30 seconds on each of the four quadrants of your mouth: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left.

Dentist-Approved Flossing Techniques

Only roughly 60% of your tooth surfaces are cleaned by brushing alone. Flossing is necessary to get rid of food particles and plaque in the remaining 40%, which is in between the teeth.

Types of Dental Floss

• Waxed floss:Slips easily between tight teeth.
• Unwaxed floss:Thin and more fibrous
• Floss picks or holders:Great for people with limited dexterity.
• Water flossers:Helpful for braces or dental work.

How to Floss Properly

1. Break off about 45 cm of floss. The majority of it should be wound around your middle fingers, leaving 5–7 cm free.
2. Using a sawing motion, carefully glide the floss between your teeth.
3. Curve the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape, sliding it up and down below the gumline.
4. For every tooth, use a fresh piece of floss.

Common Flossing Mistakes to Avoid

• Snapping the floss into the gums (can cause trauma)
• Not flossing behind the back teeth
• Reusing the same section of floss repeatedly

Brushing vs. Flossing – Which Comes First?

You might be surprised to know that flossing before brushing is often more effective. It loosens plaque and debris, allowing the fluoride in toothpaste to reach between your teeth more efficiently.

How Often Should You Floss?

At least once a day, ideally right before bed, floss. Night-time flossing removes food particles that would otherwise remain in your mouth while you sleep, reducing the risk of bacteria build-up overnight.