Maintaining a bright, healthy smile begins with the basics—proper brushing and flossing. While most of us brush and floss our teeth daily, not everyone knows the proper techniques to ensure optimal dental health.
Learn the essential steps of effective tooth brushing and flossing and why proper technique is an important part of protecting your oral health.
Consistent brushing and flossing lead to good health
Proper brushing and flossing are fundamental practices that play a crucial role in maintaining not only oral health but also overall well-being. Regular and effective brushing and flossing help prevent cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral health problems.
Additionally, poor oral hygiene has been associated with several serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory illness. The inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease might play a role in some cardiovascular diseases as well, as these bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body.
How to brush your teeth correctly
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that everyone brush their teeth twice a day for optimal dental health. Brushing your teeth twice a day is important, but having the proper technique enhances your oral hygiene routine.
First, let’s cover the basics with the materials you need for a good brushing routine.
Brushing materials:
- A toothbrush that is ADA-approved
- Fluoride toothpaste
Now that you have your materials, follow this step-by-step process to brush your teeth.
- Start with a wet toothbrush.
- Apply a small amount of fluoride toothpaste to your toothbrush.
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle.
- Insert the toothbrush into your mouth and begin gently brushing back and forth on your teeth for a total of two minutes.
- Pro tip: During these two minutes of brushing, you should spend about 30 seconds in each of the four quadrants of your mouth.
- Spit toothpaste out and rinse down the sink. Make sure not to swallow the toothpaste.
- Repeat this process twice a day.
Replacing your toothbrush
It’s crucial to replace your toothbrush regularly. An old toothbrush is ineffective at cleaning your teeth and gums. Aim to switch out your toothbrush or toothbrush head, if you use an electric toothbrush, every three to four months.
How to floss correctly
Flossing helps remove plaque from between the teeth and under the gumline, areas inaccessible to a toothbrush. Daily flossing not only helps prevent gum disease like gingivitis but also reduces the risk of cavities and freshens breath by removing trapped food particles.
Here are some tips and techniques for effective flossing:
- Start with about 18 inches of floss.
- Wrap the floss around one of your middle fingers, with the rest of the floss wrapped around your other middle finger.
- Wrap the floss until you create about a 1-inch gap with the floss tightly held between your thumbs and pointer fingers.
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth – curving it in a C-shape around each tooth.
- Adjust the floss between your fingers before moving to the next tooth, so there’s a fresh section to clean with.
- Repeat this process for every tooth in your mouth.
- Floss once a day.
Flossing shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes. Make sure that you don’t floss too hard and use new floss every time you clean your teeth.
Pro tip: If string floss isn’t a good fit, there are other types of flossers available. Pick flossers and water flossers are popular alternatives to string floss.
Proper brushing and flossing protect your teeth
Although it might seem like a good idea to brush your teeth aggressively, harsh brushing or using a toothbrush with hard bristles can cause the tooth enamel to wear down and the gums to recede. This can lead to problems for your oral health. Remember to be gentle, yet firm while brushing your teeth.
When it comes to flossing, it’s important to take note of any bleeding. Some bleeding is normal and can be a sign that you need to floss more often. However, if the bleeding doesn’t stop or if you bleed every time you floss, it could be a sign of a more serious problem like gum disease. Be sure to talk to your dentist if you are concerned.
Even if you’re brushing and flossing correctly, it’s important to visit your dentist every six months. Your dentist can still get to plaque in unreachable places and detect and treat oral health problems before they become serious.
*Updated July 2024
