Brushing and flossing are essential steps that everyone can take for good oral hygiene and good oral health. Both steps are equally as important and it is necessary to make sure you and your children do them properly.

As you know brushing is important because it removes plaque and hinders the bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. In order to brush properly, you must remember 5 major points:

  1. Use a soft toothbrush – Soft toothbrushes are more gentle and your gums and teeth will thank you
  2. Use tooth paste with fluoride – Fluoride strengthens the outer enamel layer of your teeth and can actually stop a cavity from forming
  3. Brush for 2 minutes – If you divide your mouth into four quadrants, you can brush each one for just 30 seconds
  4. Brush at least twice a day
  5. Use the correct brushing technique – To brush correctly, you should center your toothbrush on the gumline and angle the bristles at a 45-degree angle. Gently apply pressure so that the bristles glide under the gumline and move the toothbrush back and forth over one or two teeth at a time. Make sure that you do this for every surface of your teeth.

Flossing is just as important as brushing and should be done at least once a day. Like brushing there are techniques to use to ensure that you floss properly.

  1. Pull out enough floss to wrap it around a finger on each hand and clasp it with your thumbs. Most people choose their middle finger but use whichever finger is most comfortable. Make sure to leave about a 1-2 inch span of floss in the middle.
  2. Using a gentle side-to-side motion gently slide the floss in between your teeth. Pull the floss tightly into a c-shape around the tooth and slide under gumline. Pull the floss back and forth slightly.

Repeat with each side of all your teeth. REMEMBER YOU DON’T HAVE TO FLOSS ALL YOUR TEETH…ONLY FLOSS THE ONES YOU WANT TO KEEP!

Improper Brushing and Flossing

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