Improve Your Brushing and Flossing with These Tips

If you are concerned about your oral health and wellness, you most likely brush and floss at least twice a day. This is the recommended amount to reduce how much plaque and food build up between the teeth. Unfortunately, many people could do better when it comes to their regular brushing and flossing. In recent studies, it was found that a whopping 80 percent of participants did not adhere to the recommended standards.

If you want to improve your brushing and flossing, so you are as good as a pro, follow these simple tips.

Change Your Toothbrush

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is using the wrong toothbrush or using the same one for too long. You want a brush with long, soft bristles that can reach around and in between the teeth to gently dislodge food.

You also want to get a new toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, so bacteria does not grow on the bristles. The bristles also become worn out at this point, and you want your brush to stay strong!

Use Fluoridated Products

There is a plethora of misinformation about fluoride, but it is a highly beneficial mineral. Using a treated toothpaste and mouthwash actually helps restore dental enamel and repair microscopic damage that can evolve into full-blown decay.

To get the full benefits of fluoride toothpaste, don’t rinse your mouth right away. This gives the mineral enough time to penetrate the tough dental enamel.

Brush for Two Minutes

This is where many people mess up their oral hygiene routine. To dislodge all of the particles and destroy plaque, it is important to brush for a full two minutes. If you struggle to measure the time, sing the alphabet song in your head twice. You can stop brushing when you are done.

Floss Both Sides of a Tooth

Finally, it is important to make sure you floss correctly. When you wedge the floss between two teeth, you want to pull down and to each side. Many people only get the side of one tooth, leaving behind half of the plaque.