Every time you visit your family dental clinic, you’ll likely be asked how often you brush and floss your teeth. Why? Because flossing and brushing are the most important habits for good oral health.
Your teeth change as you grow older, and a good family dental clinic can help you care for your teeth at every stage. Regardless of your age, brushing and flossing will be top of the list for oral health.
Building good habits for brushing and flossing can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.
Why do I need to floss and brush?
Plaque is a sticky substance that naturally builds up in our mouth. Every time you eat sugary and starchy foods like juice, soft drinks, candy or pasta, the bacteria in plaque feeds on the sugars, creating an acid that can break down the hard enamel and roots of your teeth.
If bacteria and plaque is not regularly removed by flossing, it can lead to cavities, gum disease and tooth decay.
So, let’s get rid of that plaque.
How Often Should I Floss and Brush My Teeth?
Quick answer: floss once, brush twice.
Brushing
The Canadian Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste after every meal. At minimum, brush once a day – always before you go to bed. Avoid brushing too much, though, as over brushing can damage your gums.
Flossing
Flossing each time you brush is great. At minimum floss once a day. Use whatever works best for you – dental floss, a water pick, dental pick, or interdental cleaner.
Let’s face it, we may be great at brushing teeth, but many of us struggle with daily flossing. But did you know if you’re not flossing, you are missing cleaning 1/3 of the surface of your teeth! Would you brush only your top teeth and leave the bottom? Nope. So don’t leave daily flossing from your routine either.
How Should I Floss?
If you want to start a good habit, floss before you brush. That helps you avoid what may seem like the “harder” task. Also flossing removes particles from between your teeth, then you can brush them away!
If you’re using dental floss:
- Pull a strand of floss about the length of your arm from the container.
- Wrap around your two index fingers, leaving about two inches of floss between your fingers.
- Slide the floss between your teeth and gently under the gums
- Alternate pressure on each hand to “wipe” the area of your tooth with the floss two or three times, then gently lift the floss up and out from between your teeth.
- Repeat in the space between each tooth.
Go to a new section of floss if it gets dirty or breaks down. Don’t forget to floss your back molars!
Once you’ve finished flossing, it’s time to brush your teeth.
What is the Proper Way to Brush?
Choose a fluoride toothpaste with the Canadian Dental Association Seal of Approval. Most family dental clinics recommend a soft bristle toothbrush with rounded bristles to avoid damaging your bums.
- Squeeze a small pat of toothpaste onto your brush.
- Place the brush at a 45-degree angle at the base of your teeth where the tooth and gum meet.
- Move the brush in a gentle, circular, massaging motion, up and down. Don’t scrub or press too hard.
- Brush for at least two minutes and brush all teeth – front and back. And just like flossing, don’t forget those back molars!
Switch it up from time to time. Most of us have a brushing routine. And that means we may routinely miss the same spots. If you start on a different side of your mouth each day, or switch from starting on bottom or top, you’ll be more likely to clean all your teeth!
Replace your toothbrush when the bristles start to wear down…usually about every three months.
Visit the Canadian Dental Association Flossing and Brushing page for images showing the proper technique.
Make Regular Visits to Midland Bay Dental – Your Family Dental Clinic!
Remember to include regular visits to your family dental clinic for tooth checkups and cleaning into your dental care routine. While you’re here, you can ask us any questions you may have about braces or fillings, or cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening, teeth veneers, dental implants or bridges and crowns. Contact us to make an appointment today.