Brushing and flossing your teeth are essential components of a good at-home oral hygiene routine. Our dentists offer advice on how frequently you should brush and floss your teeth.
Preventive oral hygiene is critical to your overall oral health. This includes regular dental exams and cleanings at your dentist's office, as well as good oral health care at home, particularly regular brushing and flossing.
Brushing and flossing regularly is essential for preventing tooth decay and gum disease. They also aid in the removal of bacteria that cause plaque and tooth decay, both of which can lead to gum disease.
Here, our dentists share how often you should brush, plus proper techniques.
Solid Brushing & Flossing Techniques
Clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the cheek side, the chewing surface, and the tongue side. Brush at a 45-degree angle with a sweeping motion. Use a sweeping downward motion for upper teeth and a sweeping upward motion for lower teeth. Brush only back and forth on chewing surfaces.
Brush your teeth for two minutes after each meal, ideally, but no longer than four minutes. Brush your teeth at least 30 minutes after eating. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and always before going to bed. You can time yourself to ensure that your brushing routine is adequate.
Floss at least once a day, preferably before going to bed. Flossing removes debris and buildup from food between your teeth, in areas where your toothbrush cannot reach. Insert the floss between two teeth and run it up and down each side, forming a "c" shape in both directions. Proceed slowly and thoroughly, flossing between every two teeth.
Professional Dental Cleanings & Exams
Seeing your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and exams is critical to maintaining oral health.
Your dentist should have the tools needed to remove plaque and tartar buildup that you are unable to remove yourself with brushing and flossing.
If your dentist sees you frequently enough, he or she will be able to identify and treat dental issues in their early stages, before they become more serious. Gum disease, cavities, and even cysts, tumours, and other abnormalities in the mouth are often not visible to the untrained eye in their early stages, so it's critical to have a dental professional evaluate your mouth regularly.