Proper Brushing & Flossing

Brushing

Whether you use a Sonicare or not, it doesn't hurt to make sure you are brushing the right way. Take a minute to review these brushing instructions to check your technique.

1. To properly clean between teeth and gums, your bristles must be placed at a 45-degree angle to your teeth, toward the gums.
2. Brushing isn't quite an accurate term. Your actual motion should be more like a gentle circular motion, with very little brush movement except when moving the brush to the next tooth. Raking the toothbrush back and forth along the side of you teeth is going to damage your enamel and isn't going to clean nearly as much plaque off of the teeth as a more precise steady motion.
3. Using only light pressure, spend 2-3 seconds on each tooth. Then move the brush to the next tooth.
4. It never hurts to spend an extra 2-3 seconds on those places where your hygienist always seems have to work especially hard to get clean. For most people, problem areas are the back teeth or behind the lower front teeth where the salivary glands are located.

Flossing

If your dentist or hygienist asks you every visit whether you floss, chances are your teeth are telling on you. Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably before bed. Floss before you brush and use whatever kind of floss you prefer. Used daily and correctly, all the types of floss clean your teeth.

1. Break off about 15” of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wrap the remaining floss around a middle finger on your other hand. Pinch the floss tightly between your forefingers and thumbs.
2. Gently slide the floss down between your teeth. While keeping the floss wrapped around the side of the tooth in a C shape, pull it up and down along the side surface of the tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. Slide the floss back up the tooth, then make the C shape around the other adjoining tooth and slide down again. Never snap the floss into the gums. Transfer the floss from one finger to the other finger as it becomes dirty or frayed.
3. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. Don't forget to do the backside of your innermost teeth.

If you find it difficult to get the floss between your teeth, or it feels uncomfortable to get the floss down below the gumline, don't give up. It will become easier with daily flossing. And remember that while it is difficult to slide the floss between your teeth, bacteria is safely hidden there. Try a gortex-based or fine floss that may fit more easily between tight teeth.