How to Brush and Floss Your Teeth

Written by Dr. Brian Harris

October 03, 2024

Learning how to brush and floss your teeth properly is fundamental to maintaining healthy teeth. But are you confident you're doing it the right way?

In this article, we'll walk you through the proper brushing technique and explain why brushing is essential for your teeth and gums. You'll also learn how to use string floss and discover tips for better brushing.

To finish, we'll cover when you should brush and floss and help you choose the right dental floss and toothbrushes for your needs.

Let's get started!

What this article covers:

Proper Brushing Technique

  1. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line. Based on our observations, this helps clean both your teeth and gums.
  2. Brush using short, gentle circular motions across the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of all teeth. This method ensures thorough cleaning while protecting your enamel from excessive force.
  3. Spend 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth, ensuring that each section is properly cleaned. Most people tend to rush brushing, but the full two minutes is important.
  4. Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

For advanced brushing, consider using the SNOW Advanced Whitening Electric Toothbrush. Featuring Triple LED and Sonic Technology, this brush delivers up to 39,000 vibrations per minute to ensure thorough cleaning.

The Benefits of Brushing

Brushing your teeth provides many benefits. It helps remove harmful bacteria, plaque, and food particles that accumulate throughout the day.

By brushing twice a day, you can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues caused by plaque buildup. Brushing also keeps your breath fresh by eliminating odor-causing bacteria.

how to brush and floss your teeth

Regular brushing strengthens your tooth enamel, protecting your teeth from cavities and decay. Consistent brushing reduces the likelihood of developing tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.

Proper Flossing Instructions

  1. Wind most of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches to work with.
  2. Use a gentle rubbing motion to guide the floss between your teeth without snapping or forcing it, which can damage your gums.
  3. Once the floss reaches the gum line, curve it against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and tooth.
  4. While holding the floss tightly against the tooth, move it up and down to remove plaque and debris. Repeat this process for each tooth. Make sure to use a fresh section of floss for each tooth to avoid redistributing plaque.

If you're looking for a more effective flossing option, try SNOW's Activated Charcoal Whitening Floss. It features activated charcoal and bamboo fibers, which effectively remove plaque while gently whitening your teeth.

Why Flossing Is Important?

Our research indicates that flossing is important for removing plaque and food particles from areas your toothbrush can't reach. By flossing daily, you clean the spaces between your teeth and under the gum line, preventing buildup that could lead to gum disease or tooth decay.

Flossing also helps reduce the risk of cavities forming. For those who prefer a quick option, SNOW's Charcoal Whitening Floss Picks are perfect for on-the-go use.

Tips for Better Brushing

First, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste, which are gentle on your enamel and effective at removing plaque.

Additionally, consider using the SNOW teeth whitening toothpaste. This fluoride-free formula contains nano-hydroxyapatite, which whitens teeth while strengthening enamel.

how to brush and floss properly

When Should You Floss?

The best time to floss is once a day, whether in the morning or before bed. Some prefer flossing before brushing to remove debris, while others floss after brushing to allow fluoride to be the final step. Either approach works, as long as it's done consistently.

If traditional flossing feels difficult, the SNOW Water Flosser is the trick to how to make flossing easier. It offers customizable pressure modes, ensuring a thorough clean without discomfort.

When Should You Brush Your Teeth?

Brushing twice a day is generally recommended. Morning brushing helps remove bacteria that accumulate overnight and freshens your breath. Brushing before bed removes plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay if left overnight.

How long to wait to floss after eating? Make sure to wait at least 30 minutes after consuming acidic foods or drinks before brushing. Foods like citrus and soda can soften your enamel, making it more vulnerable to erosion if brushed too soon.

For extra protection and a brighter smile, finish your routine with SNOW's Arctic Frost teeth whitening mouthwash. Its alcohol-free formula not only freshens breath but also helps strengthen enamel with hydroxyapatite and promotes gum health with aloe leaf juice.

Dental Floss Types

Our findings show that options include waxed floss, unwaxed floss, tape floss, and floss picks. Waxed floss is great for tight spaces, while water floss works well for dental implants.

What to Look for in a Toothbrush

When selecting a toothbrush, opt for soft bristles to prevent gum irritation and enamel erosion. A small to medium-sized brush head is ideal for reaching all areas of your mouth.

proper brushing and flossing techniques

For those seeking an eco-friendly option, SNOW's Bamboo Toothbrush is a sustainable choice made from biodegradable materials. Its soft bristles ensure effective cleaning while being gentle on your gums and the environment.

Conclusion

Brushing and flossing are essential practices for maintaining strong, healthy teeth and gums. Mastering proper brushing technique and understanding the benefits of regular brushing will protect your teeth from cavities and plaque buildup.

Throughout this article, we've explored the best practices for brushing and flossing. We also looked at choosing the best toothbrush and dental floss to suit your oral care routine. Incorporating these methods daily will improve your dental health.

Visit SNOW today and protect your smile with our professional-grade products.

If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below: