HOW TO PROPERLY BRUSH & FLOSS

Brushing and flossing are critical for oral health. Proper brushing and flossing can enhance the health of the mouth, make the smile sparkle and prevent serious diseases.

Though bi-annual professional dental cleanings remove plaque, tartar and debris, excellent home care methods are equally valuable.

Why proper brushing and flossing are essential:

  • PREVENTION OF TOOTH DECAY – Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of tooth loss and its treatment often requires complex dental procedures. Tooth decay occurs when the acids found in plaque erode the natural enamel found on the teeth. This phenomenon can easily be prevented by using proper home hygiene methods.

  • PREVENTION OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE – Periodontal disease is a serious, progressive condition that can cause tooth loss, gum recession and jawbone recession. Periodontal disease is caused by the toxins found in plaque and can lead to serious health problems in other parts of the body. Removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the tooth, using a toothbrush, and from the interdental areas, using dental floss, helps prevent periodontal problems.

  • PREVENTION OF HALITOSIS – Bad breath (or halitosis) is usually caused by old food particles on or between the teeth. These food particles can be removed with regular brushing and flossing, leaving the mouth healthier, and breath smelling fresher.

  • PREVENTION OF STAINING – Staining, or yellowing, of teeth can be caused by a wide variety of factors such as smoking, and consuming coffee and tea. The more regularly these staining agents are removed from the teeth using brushing and flossing techniques, the less likely it is that the stains will become permanent.

TOOTH BRUSHING

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bed, with an American Dental Association-approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste. Be sure the toothbrush is no more than three months old without worn bristles.

 

Proper Brushing Tips:

  • Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the gums and teeth meet.

  • Use small circular motions to gently brush the gumline and teeth.

  • Do not scrub or apply too much pressure to the teeth, as this can damage the gums and tooth enamel.

  • Brush every surface of every tooth, cheek-side, tongue-side and chewing surfaces. Place special emphasis on the surfaces of the back teeth.

  • Use back-and-forth strokes to brush the chewing surfaces.

  • Brush the tongue to remove bacteria, food and debris, and to freshen your breath.

  • Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

FLOSSING

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, but it also disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth and bone through periodontal (gum) disease.

 

Proper Flossing Tips:

  • Cut a piece of floss to around 18 inches long.

  • Wrap one end of the floss around the middle finger of the left hand and the other end around the middle finger of the right hand until the hands are 2-3 inches apart.

  • Work the floss gently between the teeth toward the gum line in a gentle sawing motion.

  • Curve the floss in a U-shape around each individual tooth and carefully slide it beneath the gum line.

  • Carefully move the floss up and down several times to remove interdental plaque and debris.

  • Do not pop the floss in and out between the teeth as this will inflame and cut the gums.

  • Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss. 

RINSING

It is important to rinse your mouth with water after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing after brushing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist about whether or not the product is best suited for your oral hygiene needs.