Brushing & Flossing Basics

Brushing Basics

We all know how to brush our teeth, right? Not exactly. Brushing properly doesn’t come naturally. It takes practice and know-how. Our teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque, which is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease. Thorough brushing can help remove plaque, but only if it’s done correctly.

Brushing Guidelines

»	Brush lightly with soft or extra-soft bristles twice daily for at least 2 minutes
»	Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums
»	Move the brush in a circular motion or back and forth in short strokes
»	Brush the outer and inner surfaces of teeth, as well as the chewing surface
»	Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of front teeth
»	Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath, then rinse
»	Have a standard routine for brushing
»	Brush no more than three times daily

Flossing

Flossing Basics

Brushing your teeth is essential for removing plaque from your teeth, but brushing alone isn’t enough. Cleaning between your teeth with floss removes buildup between the teeth and under the gum line where your brush can’t reach and where plaque can build up. Daily flossing and dental checkups are the only effective way to remove this plaque. If you haven’t flossed your teeth in a while, your gums may bleed the first few times you floss. This is normal.

Some people who find flossing awkward or difficult rely on other interdental cleaners. These include special brushes, floss holders, picks, sticks and irrigators. Floss threaders can be useful if you have a bridge or wear braces. If you use interdental cleaning, ask your hygienist how to use them properly to avoid injuring your gums.

Flossing Guidelines

»	Choose a time to floss daily and stick to it
»	Don't rush – flossing takes time
»	Use plenty of floss – the experts say to start with 18 inches
»	Choose the type of floss that works best for you

How to Floss

»	Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the other middle finger.
»	Holding the floss between your thumbs and forefingers, guide it between two teeth by gently rubbing it back and forth.
»	When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it around one of the teeth and gently slide it back and forth in the crevice between the tooth and the gum.
»	Holding the floss tightly against the side of the tooth, rub gently up and down.
»	Repeat for each tooth, including the backside of your last teeth, changing to a different part of the floss as you go along. If you have difficulty using floss or have bridgework, a floss threader may help. Special picks, small brushes, and other interdental cleaners are handy for wide spaces between teeth. Standard toothpicks should never be used for regular hygiene.

Types of Floss

There are many different types of dental floss to choose from, they include:

»	Waxed/unwaxed
»	Flavored/unflavored
»	Ribbon
»	Thread

Try different types of floss until you find the one that works best for you. If your teeth are close together, waxed floss may slide more easily between teeth. Less expensive nylon floss can sometimes tear or shred. Single filament floss is more expensive, but resists shredding. Both types of floss can be effective if used correctly.

You can have healthy teeth and gums with daily brushing and flossing. In addition, you should eat a healthy, balanced diet and visit your hygienist or dentist on a regular basis.

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