Brushing and flossing are the foundation of healthy teeth and gums, but many people have never been shown how to do them well. Small changes in technique can make a noticeable difference at your next check-up.
Brushing step by step
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Angle the bristles at 45 degrees towards the gumline.
- Use small, gentle circular or short back-and-forth strokes. Scrubbing hard can wear gums and enamel.
- Clean the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
- Brush for two full minutes, twice a day. A timer or electric toothbrush helps.
- Spit out the toothpaste, but don’t rinse with water, so the fluoride stays on your teeth.
Flossing step by step
- Use about 40 cm of floss, winding most of it around your middle fingers.
- Slide the floss gently between two teeth.
- Curve it into a “C” shape around one tooth and move it up and down, just below the gumline.
- Repeat on the neighbouring tooth, then move to a clean section of floss.
Floss once a day. If you find floss difficult, interdental brushes or a water flosser are good alternatives.
Bleeding when you floss?
Gums often bleed when you start flossing, usually because they are inflamed. Bleeding should settle within a week or two of daily cleaning. If it doesn’t, have your gums checked.
Replace your toothbrush
Change your toothbrush or brush head every three months, or sooner if the bristles are splayed.
Brushing at home works best alongside professional cleaning. Our scale and polish starts from R600 for cash patients, and we claim directly from medical aids.