Proper Brushing And Flossing Techniques And Tips

Brushing and flossing are two of the most important aspects of dental care. Brushing and flossing help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

How To Brush Your Teeth?

One of the most important aspects of proper brushing and flossing is technique. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line, moving it in a back-and-forth motion to gently scrape away any plaque or food particles that linger near the gums. The bristles should form a slight curve away from your fingers and toward the tooth surface to avoid irritating gum tissues. In addition to brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, remember to use a mouthwash that kills germs and freshens your breath. 

It is important not to brush too hard or for too long. This could damage your teeth and gums, cause bleeding, and even cause tooth loss. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing gently will get the job done without harming your smile. It is also important to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. It is also a good idea to use an electric toothbrush which can remove more plaque than regular toothbrushes. 

How To Floss Your Teeth?

While brushing removes food particles and plaque from surfaces like teeth and gum lines, it doesn’t actually reach those areas between the teeth. This is why a good flossing technique is important to remove food debris and bacteria from those hidden areas. Here’s how to floss properly. Take about a foot of floss and wind it around your fingers as shown. Next, bring the floss up in between the teeth using a C-shape motion and gently slide it into the space between the teeth as far as you can comfortably go. (Note: Do not snap the floss down against the gums, as it can cause injury). Use a clean portion of the floss for the next tooth and repeat until you’ve used clean sections of the floss for each tooth.

Once you’re done with one arch, do the other before moving on to mouthwash. Be sure to use enough floss to clean every surface of every tooth so you don’t leave behind any food or bacteria that will build up and cause decay or gum disease. When done correctly, flossing should only take about two minutes each day. If you have any questions about how to brush or floss your teeth or any other questions about oral health, be sure to contact us! We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.

How Often Should You Brush And Floss?

You should brush your teeth at least twice per day for two minutes each time, removing plaque from the teeth and gums. However, if you need a recommendation for a toothpaste or toothbrush, we are happy to provide this for you on your next visit! In addition to brushing your teeth, flossing is also a crucial part of your dental hygiene routine. For children and younger patients, parents should supervise their flossing to make sure it is being done properly. Remember that it is important to floss between each tooth as well as the upper and lower teeth. This provides the deepest clean possible to remove plaque from the surfaces of the teeth as well as the gums.

If you wish to learn more about taking care of your oral health, schedule a consultation with our dental experts. You can call any of our offices in Livonia at (734) 425-7888 or Ann Arbor at (734) 888-8886 or book an appointment online. We're always happy to help our patients!