Sometimes, we underestimate how important it is to keep up with these dental basics in our lives. Brushing and flossing are actually our first line of defense when it comes to preventing damage. So by keeping it up daily, we ensure that our teeth are in their best shapes.

So for this article we will be talking a bit about the basics of flossing and brushing. The purpose they serve, some small tips, and more in this article thanks to Los Algodones dentists.

Getting the right tools 

Before we get into what to do in order to achieve great a great flossing and brushing session, let’s talk about what we should ideally have with us.

For brushing, we obviously need a good toothbrush that is not too big in size. This helps at getting and reaching out towards the back to brush the molars. It is also advised to use a soft-bristled toothbrush as it goes easy with the tooth enamel, avoiding it from harm.

Whereas for flossing, it is a bit more simple. All you need to do is pick the one that works best for you. There are many options when it comes to this, such as waxed or unwaxed, threaded or unthreaded.

Brushing basics and tips

There are many ways to improve your brushing sessions. These will not only help step up your game but also help you achieve a great smile! So be sure to pay attention.

Remember that your toothbrush has only so much brushing surface. You can only brush one or two teeth at the same time, so knowing this you have to be thorough, both with your lower and upper set of teeth.

Moreover, there is the fact that plaque and bacteria get stuck between our pearly whites and gums. For this it is recommended to gently brush against the gumline. This will help dislodging and cleaning that area, making gingivitis less of an issue in the long term.

As an added tip, be sure to spend at least two minutes with each session. This will give you enough time for the toothpaste to do its job. A way to do this is to divide the mouth into different quadrants, so you can spend 30 seconds in each part. Another way to tackle this is by listening to a song! They are usually around the 2 minutes mark so it will do the trick.

Also, make sure to change your toothbrush every three or four months. Frayed bristles can really make a difference when trying to have good oral care.

Flossing basics and tips

Dental floss is a very handy tool that helps cleaning between our teeth. The basics of it are fairly simple, so when we really get the hang of it is when it shines. By cleaning in-between our pearly whites we are not only battling against tooth decay but also bad breath.

A good technique for handling the floss correctly, is to take about 18 inches of thread and wrapping it between our middle fingers. Then, we hold the section between our hands with our thumbs and index fingers. This way, we can start flossing between our teeth and unwinding the thread as we go, making sure to not use the same section twice as it would be moving the bacteria from one place to another.

Los Algodones dentists also say that it is normal to bleed a little when we start flossing. This lessens and as we improve our technique, will help immensely towards driving away gingivitis.