Patient Info

Oral Hygiene Tips

How do I brush correctly?

Brushing your teeth properly to remove plaque and bacteria takes at least two minutes. It is best to angle your brush head 45 degrees to where your gums and teeth meet. Then use a gentle circular motion to brush all the surfaces of the outside of each tooth, and repeat the same movement for the inside surfaces of your teeth. Lastly clean the chewing surfaces.

Remember to pay extra attention to the hard-to-reach back teeth. To remove even more bacteria and help maintain fresh breath, you can brush your tongue as well.

What type of toothbrush should I use?

Dental professionals recommend that a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head is used. This ensures that all the hard-to-reach places can be cleaned effectively. An electric toothbrush is also a good alternative.

How do I floss?

In addition to brushing, flossing is essential to remove plaque and bacteria in areas that the toothbrush cannot clean effectively. Remember it is never too late to start healthy oral hygiene habits. Try these tips on how to floss your teeth:

• Wind roughly 30cm of floss between your middle fingers of each hand
• Guide the floss with your index fingers and thumb gently between each tooth with a back and forth motion through any tight areas
• Slide the floss with a smooth flowing motion, up and down each side of the tooth so that the floss forms a “C” as it wraps around the tooth
• Pay close attention when cleaning areas under the gum, as it is important to be very gentle to avoid injuring your gums