Brushing and flossing our teeth regularly is so important for our oral and overall health. It’s also very important that we do it correctly.

Did you know that you might be brushing and flossing your teeth wrong? Here are some tips to help you make sure that you’re taking the proper care of your teeth and gums.

Flossing tips

Floss every day

One of the biggest mistakes that people make when it comes to flossing, is not doing it often enough. Ideally, you should be flossing every day, usually at bedtime.

Don’t miss any spots

When flossing, make sure to floss between every single tooth, including behind your back molars. When you floss, wrap the floss in a C shape around each side of every tooth so that you reach under the gum line. Go over each spot a couple of times to make sure it’s nice and clean.

Don’t be too aggressive

Make sure you get all those spots, but be gentle about it. Take your time, and gently glide the floss between your teeth and into your gum line to avoid irritating it.

Pay attention

While you’re flossing, take advantage of this time to evaluate the state of your oral health. Does anything feel particularly uncomfortable or seem alarming? If yes, it might be time to book a dental checkup.

Brushing tips

Use the correct toothpaste and toothbrush

The type of toothpaste and toothbrush that you use matters. Start by making sure that your toothpaste is CDA approved and contains fluoride. Then, check for other features that might apply to you, such as toothpaste designed specifically for gingivitis, cavities, sensitivity and more. For more information about how to choose the right toothpaste, click here.

Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, that comfortably reaches all the different areas in your mouth. It’s important to be able to get to those hard-to-reach areas, like your back molars. You should also replace your toothbrush regularly - at least every three months. Ideally, the correct toothbrush would be a high quality electric toothbrush. These brushes are much more effective than manual toothbrushes alone.

Brush twice a day, for at least two minutes

When it comes to brushing your teeth, frequency is key! Make sure you brush your teeth every morning and night, for at least two minutes each. It’s easy to rush through this process, so try timing yourself or listening to a full song while you brush.

Once again, don’t be too aggressive

Many people tend to think that the harder they brush, the better. In fact, it’s best to brush teeth gently to remove plaque and avoid irritation. This is a key point – it is the frequency of brushing and brush strokes that are effective, not the force with which you brush.

Use the proper strokes

It’s recommended to brush towards your gumline at a 45 degree angle. Also, instead of brushing your teeth back and forth, it’s best to brush them with upwards and downwards strokes.

We hope these tips help you with your flossing and brushing routine! If you have questions about how to take better care of your teeth and gums, or are due for a checkup, contact Kelowna Dental Solutions today to book an appointment.