How to Brush and Floss Properly

A step-by-step guide to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

• Brush twice a day — once in the morning, and once at night.

• Floss once a day — at night, before brushing.
  

How To Brush Correctly

The Basics of Brushing

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush

• Hold the brush at about a 45° angle towards the gumline

• Brush gently with small, circular motions

• Brush the front, back and chewing surfaces of every tooth
  
  

Common Brushing Mistakes

1. Brushing too hard

2. Missing the inside surfaces of your teeth

3. Scrubbing back and forth aggressively

4. Ignoring plaque build up at the gumline

How to Floss Correctly

The Basics of Flossing

• Use about 40 to 45 cm of floss

• Gently guide it between your teeth — don't snap it into your gums

• Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth

• Gently move it up and down along the tooth and below the gumline

• Clean both sides of every tooth

Common Flossing mistakes

• Not forming a C-shape around the tooth

• Not flossing below the gumline where bacteria can build up

Floss below the gumline

What if your gums bleed when flossing?

Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum inflammation caused by plaque and calculus build-up.

1. Continue flossing gently and consistently.

2. If bleeding persists, or your gums are swollen or painful, see your dentist for an assessment and professional cleaning if needed.

Please note that this article is intended for general educational purposes only.

Sources:

1. Ausenda F, et al. (2019). The Effect of the Bass Intrasulcular Toothbrushing Technique on the Reduction of Gingival Inflammation.

2. McGuire JA, et al. (2024). Efficacy of flossing and mouth rinsing regimens on plaque and gingivitis.