Everyone knows about the importance of brushing and flossing every single day. However, the way that you do these things can make a big difference in your overall oral health. Here are some tips on how you can do a better job at keeping your teeth clean.

Brushing Tips 

Many people become focused on getting the visible food out from the crowns of their teeth since that is the stuff they can obviously see. You may not realize that the pockets between your gums and teeth are even more important. That's because the spot is often ignored when brushing because the proper technique is not known.

The best way to brush your teeth is to place the toothbrush at an angle so that the bristles go into the pockets of your gums. You then overlap the brush with your gums so that the plaque stuck in this space can come out. It's a small change to how you are likely brushing already, but it can make a big difference.

You should also not make the mistake of rinsing your mouth after you brush. Try to spit out as much of the toothpaste as you can, because there is fluoride in the toothpaste that is helpful for your teeth. Rinsing immediately will cause this fluoride to be washed away. 

Flossing Tips

There are many types of tools out there to help people floss, but nothing is better than using traditional dental floss. That is because traditional floss can wrap around the tooth and make a C shape, which can't be done with tools like floss picks. The dental floss should also move in an up and down motion, rather than a sawing motion. You should be wrapping the floss around the tooth on both sides of the gap to ensure that you are scrubbing away as much plaque as possible. 

With that said, flossing with inferior tools is better than not flossing at all. If you don't have the dexterity in your hands to use traditional dental floss, then an alternative tool that helps you get the job done is a great choice.

Toothbrush Tips

The type of toothbrush that you use can make an impact on the health of your mouth. That's why you'll want to get a toothbrush with soft bristles that are going to be gentle on your gums. The soft bristles also bend easier, which helps get into those hard-to-reach places. Soft bristles are also better for your enamel and are not going to cause damage over time.

To learn more about cleaning your teeth, contact a company like Ashland  Family Dentistry.