Brushing and flossing are of paramount importance to
oral hygiene. Though bi-annual professional dental cleanings remove
plaque, tartar and debris, excellent home care methods are equally
Proper brushing and flossing are essential to prevent from tooth decay, periodontal disease, halitosis, even tooth staining. The more regularly staining agents
(such as smoking, coffee, tea) are removed from the teeth using brushing and flossing techniques, the
less likely it is that the stains will become permanent.
The Proper Way to Brush
The teeth should be brushed at least twice a day;
ideally in the morning and before bed. The perfect toothbrush is small
in size with soft, rounded-end bristles and no more than three months
old. The head of the brush needs to be small enough to access all areas
of the mouth, and the bristles should be soft enough so as not to cause
undue damage to the gum tissue. The American Dental Association (ADA)
has given electric toothbrushes their seal of approval; stating that
those with rotating or oscillating heads are more effective than other
Here is a basic guide to proper brushing:
Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the gum and teeth meet.
Use small circular motions to gently brush the gum line and teeth.
Do not scrub or apply too much pressure to the teeth, as this can damage the gum and tooth enamel.
Brush every surface of every tooth,
cheek-side, tongue-side, and chewing surfaces. Place special emphasis on
the surfaces of the back teeth.
Use back and forth strokes to brush the chewing surfaces.
Brush the tongue to remove fungi, food and debris.
The Proper Way to Floss
Flossing is a great way to remove plaque from the
interdental regions (between the teeth). Flossing is an especially
important tool for preventing periodontal disease and limiting the depth
of the gum pockets. The interdental regions are difficult to reach
with a toothbrush and should be cleansed with dental floss on a daily
basis. The flavor and type of floss are unimportant; choose floss that
will be easy and pleasant to use.
Here is a basic guide to proper flossing:
Cut a piece of floss to around 18 inches long.
Wrap one end of the floss around the middle
finger of the left hand and the other end around the middle finger of
the right hand until the hands are 2-3 inches apart.
Work the floss gently between the teeth toward the gum line.
Curve the floss in a C-shape around each individual tooth and carefully slide it beneath the gum line.
Carefully move the floss up and down several times to remove interdental plaque and debris.
Do not pop the floss in and out between the teeth as this will inflame and cut the gum.
Floss holder is recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss, but it should be used gently.
If you have any questions about the correct way to brush or floss, please ask your dentist or dental hygienist.