Brushing and flossing are two of the key components to a healthy and attractive smile. To keep your smile looking and feeling its best, you need not only to take care of your mouth and teeth but to do so properly. To make sure that you get the best results from your oral healthcare routine, our dentist and team have provided some instructions to help you brush and floss.

Brushing

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day — once in the morning and once before bed. It is also a good idea to brush after every meal. If you choose to brush after eating, wait 30 minutes. This will give your saliva time to neutralize the acids in your mouth. Use a toothpaste containing fluoride and a toothbrush that has been approved by the American Dental Association®. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles and a head that is small enough to allow you to reach every part of your smile. You should get a new toothbrush about every three months or when the bristles begin to look worn. Your toothbrush should be stored upright where it can air dry.

How To Brush

1. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth.
2. Brush your teeth using small circular motions. Use back and forth strokes to clean the chewing surfaces of your molars. To clean the insides of your front teeth, hold your toothbrush vertically and use short, up-and-down strokes.
3. Do not apply pressure to your teeth.
4. You should spend two minutes brushing your teeth — one minute for the top teeth and one minute for the bottom teeth.
5. Remember to brush your gums and your tongue to promote oral health and fresh breath.

Flossing

Flossing is a very important part of your oral hygiene regimen. At a minimum, you should floss at least once a day. If you do decide to floss just once a day, we suggest flossing just before bed. It does not matter if you brush or floss first as long as you do a good job of both.

How To Floss

1. Start with an 18-inch piece of floss.
2. Wrap the majority of the floss around the middle fingers of each hand.
3. Hold the remaining section of floss with your thumbs and forefingers.
4. Wrap the floss around each tooth in a C-shape.
5. Floss from just under and then away from your gumline.
6. To thoroughly clean between your teeth, move the floss up and down several times.
7. Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth. To prevent oral health problems, never reuse dental floss.

With a little bit of practice, you can be brushing and flossing like a pro in no time at all. If you have any questions or would like to plan your visit, call our office today.