Brushing and flossing can help reduce the buildup of plaque and bacteria that can cause dental diseases.
- Toothbrushing: Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time is the best way to prevent cavities and gum disease. It helps remove food debris and plaque — a sticky white film that collects on your teeth after eating sugary foods and drinks.
- Flossing: Flossing is an important part of good oral hygiene and helps to get rid of plaque that can build up in areas where a toothbrush cannot reach. It also removes a buildup of tartar, which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
- Rinsing: It’s always better to rinse after you floss and brush, as this will help to maintain the fluoride levels in your mouth. Try to avoid rinsing too soon, as this can wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste.
- Blood during Flossing: While flossing, your gums may bleed if you’re not doing it correctly or too aggressively. This is normal and doesn’t mean you should stop flossing.
- Brushing and Flossing Too Often: You should only brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste for two minutes each time. Tooth Brushing too frequently can irritate your gums and expose the softer root portion of your teeth, which is more vulnerable to decay.
Flossing once a day is recommended by dentists, but some patients may need to floss more than once a day to get rid of food debris and plaque that accumulates between their teeth.
The American Dental Association recommends flossing before or after brushing your teeth as part of a healthy oral hygiene routine. But whether you should floss first or after brushing depends on your personal preference.
