Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to keeping your mouth and smile healthy. Good oral hygiene includes brushing and flossing regularly. Brushing and flossing properly helps to keep your teeth clean so that you can avoid problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and discolorations of the teeth. Below are some basic instructions on how to properly brush and floss.

How To Brush Your Teeth

We recommend that you brush your teeth after every meal or at least twice each day. It is important that you brush before going to sleep at night and that you use an ADA®-approved, soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. We also advise that you switch to a new toothbrush every three months and that you consider using an electric toothbrush.

When brushing:

1. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to where your gums and teeth meet.
2. Brush every surface of each tooth.
3. Use small, circular motions for front and back tooth surfaces, and back-and-forth motions for the chewing surfaces.
4. Do not scrub harshly or apply a significant amount of pressure.
5. Remember to brush your tongue.

How To Floss

Flossing is a crucial part of your home care routine. Flossing daily removes food and debris from between the teeth and below the gumline, preventing harmful bacteria from accumulating in those areas and causing tooth decay and gum disease.

When flossing:

1. Use a piece of floss about 18 inches in length.
2. Wrap the ends of the floss around your fingers until your hands are two to three inches apart.
3. Gently slide the floss between your teeth toward the gumline, curving it into a C-shape around each individual tooth.
4. Move the floss up and down several times to thoroughly clean between your teeth.
5. Do not pop floss in and out from between your teeth aggressively — this could cut your gums.

Please feel free to contact our office if you have questions about brushing and flossing. Our team will be happy to provide you with instructions and recommendations as needed.