Best practices for brushing and flossing

Is flossing your teeth really important? Why, yes it is. When you don’t floss, you’re at a major risk for two major dental issues in your mouth: Gingivitis, and cavities. Without flossing, you are not able to remove the plaque that builds up between your teeth. Plaque can even build up when people brush and floss. This can happen if they are not brushing or flossing well. The buildup can lead to gingivitis. Make sure you visit your dentist every six months for an oral exam and professional cleaning.

How to brush teeth properly

To brush their teeth thoroughly with a regular toothbrush, people should:

• hold their toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums
• brush using short, circular strokes
• use medium pressure, holding the brush like a pen so as not to push too hard
• brush each side of each tooth
• Be sure to brush your tongue to remove odor-causing bacteria.
• brush your teeth for a minimum of 2 minutes, twice daily and after every sugary treat

How to floss properly

To floss thoroughly, people should:

• use approximately 18 inches of floss
• keep the floss taut by winding it around a finger on each hand
• slide the floss between each tooth and along the gum line to form a c-shape
• unwind more fresh floss, as the process moves around the mouth