Improve Your Brushing and Flossing with These Tips

Improve Your Brushing and Flossing with These Tips

February 10, 2021

Most people brush their teeth each day, in the morning and evening. Those that are very dedicated to their at-home oral health floss their teeth each day as well. However, there is always room for improvement when it comes to your personal oral hygiene, including learning tips for brushing and flossing.

Proper brushing and flossing at home are the best ways to reduce tartar and plaque buildup between dental visits. This lowers your chance of tooth decay, which can result in future dental problems. Therefore, it’s important to improve your brushing and flossing in every way possible with these tips.

Brushing Tips

Bacteria can build up in your mouth very quickly. If bacteria remain on your teeth for long periods of time, it damages the tooth enamel and causes decay. Regular brushing can eliminate bacteria on your teeth before it has a chance to build up. Here are some tips for brushing your teeth:

  1. Be mindful of your toothbrush. Make sure the brush’s bristles are soft and rounded. Be sure to replace your toothbrush when the bristles are worn, at least every two months.
  2. Use toothpaste. This may seem like an odd tip, but many people use water or just a tiny amount of toothpaste. The fluoride in toothpaste should be brushed onto each tooth—front and back—so be sure to use enough.
  3. After you brush your teeth, brush your tongue as well. Oral bacteria can grow on your tongue, just like your teeth.

Flossing Tips

Regular flossing reduces gum disease and bad breath by removing plaque that collects and forms along the gumline. Here are some tips for flossing your teeth:

  1. Floss before brushing your teeth. Flossing loosens bacteria and particles from between your teeth, which brushing and rinsing then clear away.
  2. Be sure to floss each tooth, including the molars in the very back of the mouth.
  3. It’s never too late to start flossing. Even if flossing hasn’t been part of your daily oral hygiene routine, you can (and should!) start doing it each day.

Brushing and flossing are essential parts of preventive oral care. Experts recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once. This will help keep your teeth healthy in between dental examinations and cleanings.