How to Brush and Floss Properly

 
Brushing:
  • Use a soft toothbrush for thorough and gentle cleaning.
  • Hold your brush at a 45 degree angle. Begin by brushing the outside of the front teeth. Use gentle, half-tooth wide, back and forth strokes.
  • Next, brush the outside back teeth, starting along the gumline.
  • For the inside back teeth, use short, angled brush strokes.
  • For the inside front teeth, tilt the brush vertically, and use an up-and-down motion.
  • For the chewing surfaces, hold the brush flat, and use a gentle motion.
Flossing:
  • Wind 12 inches (the length of your forearm) of floss around your two middle fingers.
  • Gently guide the floss between teeth.
  • To remove plaque and debris, gently move the floss up and down against the tooth.
  • As you move from tooth to tooth, use a fresh section of floss each time.
Most importantly, if your dental professional has given you any special instructions, be sure to follow them precisely.