- By Iram Hussain
- Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential for overall health. Good oral hygiene prevents a multitude of issues including bad breath, cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. Regular dental check-ups help maintain a healthy, confident smile and overall well-being. In addition to having a regular dental check-up, brushing your teeth, cleaning your tongue and flossing are the three pillars of good oral care. However, many people unknowingly make mistakes that cause several oral health concerns.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Upasna Singh, Senior Consultant, Dental Care, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka explained the correct way to brush, clean tongue and floss while highlighting eight common mistakes to avoid.
How to brush properly?
Brushing your teeth correctly helps remove plaque, bacteria and food particles that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Here’s how to do it properly-
1. Choose the Right Toothbrush – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth and reaches the far end of the mouth.
2. Use the Right Amount of Toothpaste – A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is enough.
3. Brush at a 45-degree Angle – Position your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use short, gentle strokes, moving from the gums to the teeth surface.
4. Brush All Surfaces – Clean the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
5. Brush for Two - Four Minutes – Spend at least two to four minutes brushing, ensuring even coverage.
6. Don’t Forget Your Gums – Gently brush your gums to remove plaque buildup.
Mistakes To Avoid When Brushing
Brushing Too Hard – Aggressive brushing can wear down enamel and irritate gums, leading to sensitivity and gum recession.
Using The Wrong Brush – A hard-bristled brush can be too harsh while an oversized brush may not reach small areas at the end of teeth.
Brushing Too Quickly – Many people brush for less than a minute which isn’t enough to clean effectively.
How to floss properly?
Flossing removes plaque and food particles between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Here’s how to do it the right way-
1. Use About 18 Inches of Floss – Wrap the ends around your fingers, leaving a small section to work with.
2. Gently Slide the Floss Between Teeth – Move it up and down, following the curve of each tooth.
3. Use a Fresh Section for Each Tooth – This prevents the spreading of bacteria.
4. Floss Every Day – Ideally, floss at least once daily, preferably before bedtime.
5. Use A Water Floss - If flossing with regular floss is not your thing, use a water floss machine.
Mistakes To Avoid When Flossing
Skipping Flossing – Many people don’t floss regularly, increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities.
Snapping The Floss – Forcing the floss between teeth can damage gums and cause bleeding.
Not Flossing Between The Last Teeth – The back teeth are often neglected but they need cleaning too.
How to clean your tongue properly?
Your tongue harbours bacteria that can cause bad breath and contribute to oral health issues. Cleaning your tongue is an important but often overlooked step in oral hygiene. Here’s how to do it correctly-
1. Use a Tongue Scraper / Cleaner – A tongue scraper/cleaner is an effective tool to remove tongue build-up.
2. Start at the Back of the Tongue – Gently scrape or brush from the back to the front, removing bacteria and debris.
3. Rinse After Cleaning – Spit out the residue and rinse with water or mouthwash to wash away the remaining bacteria.
Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Your Tongue
Not Cleaning Your Tongue At All – Many people skip tongue cleaning, leading to bad breath and bacterial buildup.
Scraping Too Hard – Applying too much pressure can damage taste buds and cause discomfort.
ALSO READ: 4 Key Reasons To Brush Daily For Improved Dental Health
ALSO READ: 5 Foods And Drinks You Should Avoid For Healthy Teeth