Do you know how to brush and floss correctly? This may seem like a simple enough task, but many are unaware that they aren’t caring for their teeth properly. Even if you brush and floss everyday you might not be receiving the benefits you need to avoid the onset of tooth decay and gum disease unless you’re doing so correctly.
Brushing Your Teeth
First, you should hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to reach the front of the teeth, then brush the top and back of the teeth as well. The entire process should take no less than two minutes. You should do this twice a day, once in the morning and again before going to bed.
When choosing a toothbrush look for one with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal on the packaging. Also, we recommend one with soft bristles. If you brush too hard with medium or hard bristles you could end up damaging the enamel, which increases the risk of tooth decay.
Flossing
There are a variety of options, from tape to picks. For children, you may choose picks and assist them early on. For you and older children, tape a length of tape and wrap the ends around your middle finger. Then secure the tape between your thumb and index finger on each hand. Gently floss down the sides of each tooth.
Doing this once a day, preferably at night before going to bed, removes the food particles caught between teeth that brushing cannot reach. Doing this limits the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Don’t Forget the Kids!
Now that we’ve discussed how to brush and floss correctly, we want to remind you that children need to do this as well. In the early stages, when the first baby teeth are erupting, you may clean their teeth with a cloth. As they age, you can upgrade to picks and age appropriate toothbrushes.
