Brush up on Brushing and Flossing Techniques

By Dr. Sahil Singh, Dentistry

Although the entire population of the word has been accustomed to the practice brushing and flossing teeth for a long time, most people are often surprised to learn that they have not been doing it properly. For example, the minimum time duration required for a person to brush his or her teeth properly is two minutes. However, most people do not even come close.

Basic Dental Hygiene-

These following steps are the easiest ways that can help you remember the ways to care for your teeth, mouth and gums-

1. Brush your teeth at least two times in a day. Use fluoride toothpaste for brushing and take at least two minutes. Do this, first thing in the morning as well as before going to bed.
2. Floss every day and generally before going to bed.
3. Try to limit the number of snacks eaten each day and if possible brush your teeth even then.
4. Dental consultations should be done every 6 months. It should include an oral exam as well as professional cleaning of dental plaque.

Tips to follow for proper brushing-

1. The toothbrush should be placed at an angle of 45° along the gum line. The toothbrush should move in a back and forth pattern. This should be repeated for each tooth.
2. The inside surface of every tooth should be brushed.
3. The top (chewing) surface of each tooth should be brushed.
4. Use the tip of the brush for brushing behind each tooth, using strokes in every direction to clean thoroughly.
5. Your tongue must be brushed so that bacteria that cause odor are removed.

Tips to follow for proper flossing-

1. Pull and utilize at least 18-24 inches of dental floss from the dental floss dispenser.
2. The floss ends should be wrapped around your middle and index fingers.
3. The floss should be held tightly around each tooth, forming a C-shape. Then, the floss should be moved back and forth, utilizing a push-pull action as well as an up-down action against the side of every tooth.