Brushing And Flossing: Are You Doing It The Right Way?

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If you are brushing and flossing daily, then you are headed in the right direction when it comes to practicing effective dental hygiene. However, as you may already have realized, these aspects of your oral health protection will only provide you with the results you need if you are doing them correctly! How to know for sure? You can always ask us, of course! For now, let’s start you out with some essential knowledge.

Brushing

If you’re not brushing correctly, then your dental hygiene is going to suffer. The result may include problems like cavities or you may find yourself at our practice for gingivitis. Fortunately, when you brush correctly, you can stop worrying (assuming you’re flossing, too!). Let’s talk about what it takes to brush well:

  • Time: You should brush for about two minutes each time you brush. This equates to four daily minutes of brushing at least.
  • Frequency: You should brush twice, preferably morning and evening, for best results.
  • Thoroughness: You need to reach every accessible surface, not just chewing and visible surfaces but everywhere.
  • Pressure: Always brush gently!

Flossing

Like with brushing, if your flossing is not on point, your dental hygiene won’t be its best and you will end up with consequences. Make sure your flossing is going a little something like this:

  • Time: It should take a couple minutes to make it through your entire smile from start to finish.
  • Frequency: You absolutely must floss once daily. You may floss more if you wish but it is not necessary.
  • Thoroughness: Floss your whole smile, which means between all teeth and all behind those in the very back.
  • Pressure: Again, being gentle is paramount.

Protect Hygiene By Asking If You’re On Track

If you have questions about whether you’re practicing your dental hygiene correctly, the best way to find out is to ask us during a visit. Call our Cleveland Family Dentistry office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234. We proudly serve patients and their families from Cleveland, Kingwood, New Caney, Conroe, Livingston, Huffman, and all surrounding communities.