Our Burlington Dentist Explains the Importance of Brushing and Flossing Properly

Have you been using the right techniques to keep your smile clean?

We all know that a proper daily brushing and flossing routine is critical for our teeth, our gums and overall oral health. But sometimes, it can be easy to forget the simple tips and tricks on how to brush and floss optimally.

Here are the basics you should know about tooth brushing:

Toothbrushes come in a variety of different sizes and shapes - starting off very small for toddlers, all the way up to large adult-sized brush heads. In every case, make sure you look for a soft-bristled tooth brush, and ensure that both the shape and size of your toothbrush will easily fit into your mouth - providing you with enough room to easily access every area.
Brushing duration matters: It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time.
Always brush gently! If you have a new toothbrush and the bristles are quick to fray, then there is a chance you could be brushing too hard (or, if you notice your gums are beginning to recede).
It is good practice to swap out your tooth brush every 3-4 months. Just like trying to brush your hair with a hairbrush that doesn't have proper bristles, a worn out tooth brush is equally as inefficient.
The type of toothpaste you use matters, as well. It is recommended that you use an ADA-approved toothpaste containing the ideal amount of fluoride, which will help protect your teeth from decay.

The proper brushing technique explained

As you brush, your toothbrush should be at a 45 degree angle, as this is the optimal way to remove most plaque and build up.
Brush each surface of every tooth using a gentle back and forth motion.
Really ensure that you reach all the surface areas, including the chewing surface and the back of your teeth. Gently bring the brush toward the gum line, as well, as this area is especially susceptible to bacterial buildup.
Don't forget to brush or scrape your tongue, as well to eliminate the bacteria that loves to live there!

Here are the basics you should know about flossing:

Flossing is an often neglected yet vital part of maintaining proper oral health. By flossing daily you can remove plaque that is stuck in between your teeth. This is an area that your toothbrush can not reach, and unless the plaque is removed, it can contributed to tartar build up, cavities and other dental concerns.

The best advice that our Burlington dentist has when it comes to flossing is to make sure you actually get it done! (Remember - once a day is the standard). Flossing is one of those things most people don't enjoy doing, as it’s an easy step to neglect and put off. Also, don't forget that as soon as children have two teeth that touch together, you should be helping them to floss, as well. Once a child reaches about 10 years old, they can then floss by themselves.

Most people don't realize but there are actually a ton of options available when it comes to what type of floss to use. Dental floss comes in different sizes (thick floss or comfort floss), waxed, unwaxed, an assortment of flavours and even in the form of flosser picks (a favourite for many patients as they’re very easy to use).

But it’s critical for people to have the right flossing technique down in order to ensure a thorough and effective clean, and to avoid gum injury. With that said, below are four simple steps to follow when flossing with traditional string floss.

Here are the basics you should know about flossing:

Step one:

Step two:

Using the middle of your index finger and thumb on both hands, pinch the floss and leave one inch of it in between.

Step three:

Use a gentle sawing motion to bring the floss down below the gum line between each tooth gap, but pulling the floss up in a “C” shape curving around each side of each tooth.

Step four:

Repeat this motion with a fresh section of floss for each gap between two neighbouring teeth, unrolling the clean floss from one finger and winding the used floss to the other finger. When finished, throw the used piece of floss away.

Your oral health depends on you to brush and floss properly

When it comes to brushing and flossing your teeth, it’s important to make sure you have not only the proper tools at your disposal, but that you have the proper technique down, as well. Brushing and flossing as suggested plays a large role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy, and helps to prevent a variety of oral health issues from occurring down the road.

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