How to Properly Brush & Floss
Proper brushing and flossing help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and staining. Follow these practical steps for a healthier smile.
Brushing and flossing are of paramount importance to oral hygiene. Though biannual professional dental cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and debris, excellent home-care methods are equally valuable. Proper brushing and flossing can enhance the health of the mouth, make the smile sparkle, and prevent serious diseases.
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 can often 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. Removing plaque and calculus from the surface of the tooth with a toothbrush and from between the teeth with dental floss is an excellent way to help 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 factors such as smoking, coffee, and tea. The more regularly these staining agents are removed with brushing and flossing, the less likely the stains are to become permanent.
The Proper Way to Brush
The teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bed. The ideal toothbrush is small, has soft rounded-end bristles, and is no more than three months old. The head should be small enough to access all areas of the mouth, and the bristles should be soft enough not to damage the gum tissue.
1. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the gums and teeth meet.
2. Use small circular motions to gently brush the gumline and teeth.
3. Do not scrub or apply too much pressure, as this can damage the gums and tooth enamel.
4. Brush every surface of every tooth—the cheek side, tongue side, and chewing surfaces—with special attention to the back teeth.
5. Use back-and-forth strokes to brush the chewing surfaces.
6. Brush the tongue to remove fungi, food, and debris.
The Proper Way to Floss
Flossing is a great way to remove plaque from between the teeth. These areas are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and should be cleaned with dental floss every day. The flavor and type of floss are unimportant; choose floss that will be easy and pleasant to use.
1. Cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long.
2. Wrap one end 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.
3. Work the floss gently between the teeth toward the gumline.
4. Curve the floss in a U-shape around each tooth and carefully slide it beneath the gumline.
5. Carefully move the floss up and down several times to remove plaque and debris.
6. Do not pop the floss in and out between the teeth, as this can inflame and cut the gums.
If you have questions about the correct way to brush or floss, please contact our office.