What is the proper way to brush and floss my teeth?

Proper brushing and flossing are crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental issues like cavities and gum disease. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to brush and floss your teeth effectively:

Brushing:

1. Use the right toothbrush: Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush with a size and shape that comfortably fits your mouth. Electric or manual toothbrushes can both be effective if used correctly.
2. Use fluoride toothpaste: Apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to your toothbrush. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Babies and young children should also use a fluoride toothpaste, however only a small dab on the bristles is needed.
3. Position the toothbrush: Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Point the bristles toward the area where your teeth and gums meet.
4. Brush gently and thoroughly: Use gentle circular motions to clean the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Take your time to ensure you brush all teeth thoroughly.
5. Don't forget your tongue: We recommend using a hard tongue cleaner (like this one from Bamboo Buddy) to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
6. Time your brushing: Aim to brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time, twice a day (morning and night). It doesn’t matter if you brush your teeth before or after breakfast in the morning: the purpose is to remove plaque- not food.
7. Replace your toothbrush: Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 2 to 3 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

Flossing:

1. Use enough floss: Take about 30 cm of dental floss and wrap the ends around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches of floss to work with.
2. Hold the floss: Hold the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, leaving about one inch of floss to work with.
3. Slide between teeth: Gently slide the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion. Avoid snapping the floss, as it can harm your gums.
4. C-shaped motion: Form a C-shape with the floss around the side of one tooth and gently slide it beneath the gumline. Then, move the floss up and down to remove plaque and debris.
5. Floss both sides: Repeat the process for the adjacent tooth, making sure to use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
6. Floss all teeth: Floss between all your teeth, including the back molars.
7. Bleeding: It’s not uncommon to experience bleeding when flossing initially. Don’t let that put you off, because the more frequently you floss, the less inflamed your gums will get and so the bleeding should reduce. If this doesn’t happen, please book in an appointment as you may need deep cleaning by us.
8. Floss at least once a day: Aim to floss between your teeth at least once a day, preferably before bedtime. If you find flossing difficult, consider using flossers or interdental brushes.

Remember, proper brushing and flossing, along with regular dental check-ups, play a vital role in maintaining optimal oral health. If you have any specific concerns or questions about your oral hygiene routine, don't hesitate to consult your dentist.