Maintaining a healthy smile starts with proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing are crucial to preventing plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. While many people brush and floss regularly, it's only effective when doing it correctly. Follow this guide to learn proper brushing and flossing techniques to keep your teeth and gums in the best shape.
Brushing every day is half the battle. You must also use techniques that will not damage tooth structure while removing all plaque and debris.
Most dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Soft bristles are essential to avoid damaging your enamel or irritating your gums. Thanks to their advanced technology and ease-to-use design, electric toothbrushes can also be highly effective at removing plaque.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing for at least two minutes twice a day. Make sure to cover all surfaces of your teeth: the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Many people benefit from breaking their brushing routine into 30-second intervals for each quadrant of the mouth.
When brushing, apply gentle pressure and use small circular motions. Avoid scrubbing back and forth too hard. Aggressive brushing can lead to enamel erosion and gum recession. Pay close attention to the gum line, where plaque often hides.
Start with 18 inches of dental floss, winding most of it around your middle fingers. Leave about 1-2 inches to work with between your teeth.
Gently slide the floss between each tooth, being careful not to snap it into the gums. Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and move it up and down to remove plaque and food particles.
Proper brushing and flossing are the foundation of a healthy smile and are just as important as semi-annual exams and teeth cleaning at the dentist. For more information about oral health habits, or to schedule an exam and hygiene cleaning, contact Pinnacle Dental. We’ll help you keep your oral health on track.
