Have You Been Brushing and Flossing All Wrong?

When you clean your teeth correctly, you prevent dental and oral health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. At 2K Dental of Parma, Cleveland, and Akron, Ohio, our team of cosmetic, implant, and emergency dentists help you keep your teeth clean and healthy.

Under the leadership of Dr. George Kontoveros and Dr. Anthony Klobas, we provide twice-yearly professional dental cleanings to new and existing patients. And, if you’re making mistakes with your at-home brushing and flossing routine, we can help you correct your technique.

Common brushing mistakes

Brushing your teeth at least twice each day should be the basis of your dental hygiene care routine. Are you making any of these common brushing errors?

Brushing too hard

You can actually damage the outer layer of your teeth, called dental enamel, with over-vigorous brushing. You want to use a gentle circular motion with the head of your toothbrush, rather than scraping or sawing it over the surface of your teeth.

Missing spots

You need to clean every surface of your teeth, for each and every one of your teeth. Missing spots can turn into tooth decay or result in gum problems.

Each time you brush, you should take two minutes, with 30 seconds for each quadrant of your mouth. Start by cleaning the outer surfaces of your teeth, working one tooth at a time to make sure you don’t miss anything. Use your brush at an angle to dislodge debris from your gumline above your teeth.

Then it’s time to address the inner face of your teeth. Finally, clean the chewing surface of your teeth.

Using a worn-out brush

Toothbrushes need to be replaced once the head starts to show signs of wear. Brushing well with a worn-out brush isn’t going to give you the results you need. Keep your dental care equipment fresh and up-to-date.

Common flossing mistakes

Flossing protects interdental spaces threatened by decay and is also essential for your gum health. Are you flossing correctly? And, do you know about the most common flossing mistakes?

Skipping flossing

The biggest mistake you can make with flossing is not doing it often enough. Many adults in the United States admit to not flossing daily. But, if you can adopt better flossing habits, you can significantly improve your long-term dental and oral health outcomes.

Flossing after brushing

Flossing should be the first part of your dental care routine at least once a day. It’s a good idea to floss before brushing, so you’re not moving harmful bacteria around in your mouth after you’ve already cleaned your teeth.

Holding the floss wrong

In order to floss properly, pinch an 18-inch long piece of floss between your thumbs and middle fingers, using both hands. Use your hands to shape the floss in a “C” shape around each of your teeth in turn, gently moving the floss up and down to completely cover the area between your teeth, including stimulating your gums.

Shift the floss as you work your way around your mouth, using clean sections to avoid spreading bacteria. Discard your floss once you’re done.

Checking in with the experts

If you have concerns about your brushing and flossing habits or techniques, bring up the topic with Dr. Kontoveros or Dr. Klobas at 2K Dental during your regularly scheduled professional cleaning. Our team is here to help you keep your teeth clean and free from decay for years to come.

To schedule an appointment at 2K Dental, call now to book.