Brushing and flossing remove the bacteria that promote tooth decay and the plaque that can cause gum disease. A reminder of what works best:
Ideally, brush after every meal—but at least twice a day including just before bed.
Use a soft-bristle brush with rounded bristles, small enough to reach your back teeth.
Use a toothpaste with fluoride—look for the CDA Seal.
Brush for at least two minutes.
Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue.
Get a new toothbrush if yours looks worn, is more than three months old, or if you’ve had a cold (bristles can harbour germs that may re-infect you).
Flossing is a must—otherwise more than a third of your tooth surface is not getting cleaned.
Consider an interdental cleaner or proximal brush for cleaning between your teeth instead of floss if you have wide spaces between your teeth, wear braces, or have had gum surgery.
Brushing and flossing aren’t complicated, but technique does matter.
