Most people brush and floss every day—but still end up with cavities, sore gums, or bad breath they can’t explain. It’s frustrating, especially when you feel like you’re doing everything right. But a lot of the time, the problem isn’t how often you clean your teeth—it’s how you’re doing it.
At Virginia Dental Group, many patients ask for help with simple fixes they can make at home. The good news? Small changes in your brushing and flossing habits can make a big difference. If you’re wondering how to brush and floss properly, you’re not alone—and it’s easier than you might think.
Want one-on-one help? Book a cleaning with Virginia Dental Group to get tips that actually work for your teeth.
Why Proper Oral Hygiene Is Essential
Keeping your mouth clean isn’t just about having nice teeth—it helps protect your whole body. Plaque builds up fast, and if it’s not brushed and flossed away, it can lead to cavities and gum problems. What many people don’t realize is that poor oral health is also linked to serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
A lot of people brush quickly or miss spots when flossing, which lets bacteria stick around. Learning how to brush and floss properly gives you a better shot at staying healthy—inside and out. It’s one of the easiest habits that can make a big impact.
How to Brush Your Teeth Correctly
Brushing your teeth seems simple, but doing it the right way makes all the difference. A few small changes can help you avoid cavities, gum problems, and bad breath. If you want to know how to brush and floss properly, start with brushing the right way.
1. Pick the Right Toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. It’s gentle on your gums and still gets the job done. You can use a manual or electric one—both work, but some people find electric brushes easier to handle. Be sure to change your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles look frayed.
2. Use the Right Toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste helps fight cavities and keeps enamel strong. If you have sensitive teeth or want whitening, there are special options too. Pick one that works for your needs and feels good to use.
3. Stick to the Two-Minute Rule: Most people brush way too fast. Two full minutes is what’s needed to clean your whole mouth. Set a timer, play a short song, or use an app if that helps you stay on track.
4. Master the Right Technique” Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle, aiming toward the gum line. Use small, gentle circles. Don’t scrub back and forth or press too hard—that can actually wear your teeth down and make gums sore.
5. Cover All Surfaces: Make sure you’re brushing every side of every tooth: the outside, the inside, and the chewing parts. Don’t skip hard-to-reach spots like behind your front teeth and back molars.
6. Brush Your Tongue: A lot of bad breath comes from your tongue. Give it a quick, gentle brush too, or use a tongue scraper to help keep your mouth feeling fresh.
How to Floss Properly
Flossing does more than just get food out of your teeth—it clears out the stuff your toothbrush can’t reach. Learning how to brush and floss properly means knowing the right way to do both, and flossing is often where people cut corners.
Choose a Floss Type That Works for You
There’s no single “best” kind of floss. You can use traditional string (waxed or unwaxed), floss picks, or even a water flosser. What matters most is picking one you’ll actually use every day.
Use Enough Floss
Don’t skimp—cut about 18 inches of floss. Wrap it around your fingers so you can move to a clean section as you go from tooth to tooth.
Be Gentle—Don’t Snap
Slide the floss gently between your teeth. Once it’s in, curve it around one side of the tooth to form a “C” shape, then move it up and down. Snapping it straight down can hurt your gums.
Clean Below the Gumline
Get just under the edge of the gum, where plaque likes to hide. Be careful not to force it—gentle moves are all you need.
Switch to a Clean Section for Each Tooth
As you move along, use a new part of the floss to keep bacteria from spreading. Rinse or toss the floss when you’re done.
Common Mistakes That Harm Your Teeth and Gums
Even with good intentions, small mistakes in your routine can cause trouble over time. One common issue is brushing too hard—this can wear down your enamel and make your gums pull back. It’s better to use light, gentle pressure.
Another mistake is brushing too quickly. Many people don’t brush for the full two minutes, which means they miss spots without realizing it. Holding your toothbrush at the wrong angle is also a problem. Brushing straight across skips over the gumline where plaque builds up the most.
Skipping flossing is another habit that leaves bacteria between your teeth, since a toothbrush can’t clean those tight spaces. And lastly, using a worn-out toothbrush can make your efforts less effective. When the bristles are frayed, they can’t clean as well. Replacing your brush every three months helps keep your mouth cleaner. These small changes really matter when it comes to how to brush and floss properly.
How Often Should You Brush and Floss?
Brushing twice a day is one of the most important habits you can build—once in the morning and once before bed. Flossing at least once a day, especially at night, helps clear out food and bacteria that brushing can’t reach. During sleep, saliva slows down, which makes it easier for germs to grow.
This is why nighttime cleaning really counts. Some people also like to use mouthwash or a tongue scraper for extra freshness, but those should never replace brushing and flossing. If you’re learning how to brush and floss properly, consistency is just as important as technique.
Kids and Oral Hygiene: Tips for Parents
Good brushing habits start young. You can begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as their first baby tooth comes in. For toddlers, use a grain-of-rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Once they’re older, about a pea-sized amount is best. Keep an eye on brushing until your child is at least 6 or 7 and can brush well on their own.
Flossing should begin as soon as any teeth start touching. To keep things fun, try using brushing apps, sticker charts, or let them pick out their toothbrush. Teaching kids how to brush and floss properly early makes a big difference later.
When to See a Dentist—Even if You Brush and Floss
Brushing and flossing at home are important, but they’re not enough to keep your mouth fully healthy. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, and that can only be removed by a dental professional. That’s why it’s important to visit the dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup.
Don’t wait until something hurts—bleeding gums, bad breath that won’t go away, or tooth sensitivity are signs that something’s wrong. A dentist can also tell you if you’re brushing or flossing the right way and give helpful tips. Learning how to brush and floss properly includes getting expert help when needed.
Healthy Teeth Start Here
Good brushing and flossing habits aren’t about having the most expensive products—they’re about doing the small things right every day. Brushing twice a day, flossing once, and using the right technique can keep your teeth and gums healthy for life. Many people don’t realize that even simple changes can prevent bigger problems down the road.
If you’ve ever wondered how to brush and floss properly, now’s the time to focus on your routine. Still unsure if you’re doing it right? Book a visit with Virginia Dental Group and get one-on-one tips that fit your smile and your daily habits.
