The Ultimate Guide to Brushing and Flossing (and why you might be doing it wrong)

We all know brushing and flossing are the cornerstones of oral hygiene. We've been told since childhood to do it twice a day. But are you truly getting the most out of these essential practices? Beyond the basic up-and-down or back-and-forth motions, nuanced techniques can significantly enhance plaque removal and safeguard your oral health. Let's go beyond the basics and uncover how to brush and floss like a pro.   

Brushing: More Than Just a Quick Scrub

Simply running a brush over your teeth for a few seconds isn't enough to effectively remove the sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Here's how to elevate your brushing game:

• Choose the Right Tool: Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can damage your enamel and irritate your gums, leading to sensitivity and recession. The size of the brush head should allow you to comfortably reach all surfaces of your teeth, including those often-neglected back molars. Whether you choose manual or electric, ensure it feels comfortable and allows for good control. Remember to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Worn-out bristles are less effective at cleaning.   

• Master the Angle: Position your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. This angle allows the bristles to reach slightly beneath the gumline, where plaque tends to accumulate.

• Gentle Does It: Don't scrub aggressively. Use gentle, short, back-and-forth or circular strokes. Imagine you're massaging your teeth and gums, not scouring a pan. Applying too much pressure can wear away enamel and cause gum recession. If your brush bristles are splaying out, you're likely brushing too hard.   

• Cover All Surfaces: Dedicate time to each surface of every tooth: the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. Don't rush through any section. Divide your mouth into quadrants and spend adequate time on each.   

• Don't Forget Your Tongue: Bacteria accumulate on your tongue and can contribute to bad breath. Gently brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove this buildup.   

• Time Yourself: Aim to brush for a full two minutes, twice a day. Use a timer or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer to ensure you're brushing for the recommended duration.

• Wait After Eating: Avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks. The acid softens enamel, and brushing right away can cause erosion. Wait at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow your saliva to neutralize the acids.   

• Spit, Don't Rinse (Immediately): After brushing with fluoride toothpaste, spit out the excess toothpaste but avoid vigorously rinsing your mouth with water right away. Leaving a thin layer of fluoride on your teeth provides extra protection against cavities.   

Flossing: Reaching Where Brushing Can't

Brushing alone cleans only about 60% of your tooth surfaces. Flossing is crucial for cleaning the remaining 40% – the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gumline where toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Skipping this step leaves plaque and food particles behind, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease.   

• Use Enough Floss: Break off about 18 inches of floss. This gives you a clean section to use for each tooth.

• Master the "C" Shape: Don't just snap the floss between your teeth. Once the floss is between two teeth, curve it into a "C" shape against one tooth and gently slide it up and down along the side of the tooth, going slightly beneath the gumline. Then, curve it the other way against the adjacent tooth and repeat. This "hugging" motion effectively removes plaque from the tooth surface and below the gumline.   

• Be Gentle: Avoid forcing or snapping the floss into your gums, as this can cause injury and bleeding. Use a gentle sawing motion to guide the floss between teeth.   

• Use a Clean Section: As you move from tooth to tooth, unwind a fresh section of floss from your fingers. Reusing a dirty section simply transfers bacteria.   

• Don't Forget the Back: Make sure to floss all the way to the back teeth, including the back surface of the last molar.

• Find Your Preferred Tool: If traditional floss is difficult for you to use, consider interdental brushes or water flossers, which can be effective alternatives, especially for those with braces or bridges.   

By implementing these nuanced tips for brushing and flossing, you can significantly improve your oral hygiene routine, effectively remove plaque, and reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Make these techniques a consistent part of your daily routine for a healthier, happier smile.