How to brush and floss your teeth properly

The best way to brush your teeth

Brush for 2 minutes.

Use short, gentle strokes, holding your toothbrush at a 45° angle to the tooth and pay extra attention to the gum line and back teeth.

Have a routine.

Follow a routine to make sure each tooth is cleaned properly. Here’s an example: Clean the outer surface of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth. Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth. Clean the chewing surface.

Take your time.

For fresher breath, brush your tongue too. If there are any areas that still feel rough or furry, continue to brush until smooth.

Why is flossing important?

Floss removes plaque and debris from between your teeth and gums that your toothbrush simply can’t reach.

How to floss properly

1. Remove about a 45cm strip of floss from the dispenser.
   
2. Wind the floss around your middle finger of each hand, leaving a 2–3cm section of floss open for flossing.
3. Use your index fingers to push the floss between your teeth.
4. Floss your top teeth first, then the bottom. Be careful not to push too hard and hurt your gums.
5. Move the floss up and down against your tooth and up and around the gum line. The floss should form a C-shape around the tooth as you floss.
6. Use new sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.
7. Floss between each tooth as well as at the back of the last tooth.
   

Visiting the dentist for regular dental check-ups is the best way to help:

• Keep teeth and gums healthy
• Prevent future dental problems
• Give you a bright and more confident smile.