Brushing and flossing: We know it’s important, but are we doing it right? Turns out, this daily ritual isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Livia Valverde, assistant professor of periodontology and periodontal predoctoral program director at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, shares why the right technique is so important. You might never brush quite the same way again.

On the importance of oral health: Proper brushing and flossing maintain good oral health, and it’s not just about keeping your teeth sparkly and your breath fresh. Proper brushing helps to stave off gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Unhealthy, inflamed gums are correlated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, infrequent flossing is associated with an increase in all-cause mortality, according to a 2024 Tufts study published by the Journal of the American Dental Association. 

“Bacteria from gum disease could get into the bloodstream and impact other parts of your body,” Valverde says.

On how to brush: Yep, there’s a proper technique. Forget frantic side-to-side scrubbing. Angle the brush at 45 degrees from the gum, make gentle circular motions on the gum, and swipe down toward the tooth’s surface. She recommends brushing twice daily, morning and night, with a fluoride toothpaste. Think of fluoride like armor, providing extra protection from germs and degradation from foods.

“Fluoride offers extra protection from bacterial products, preventing demineralization,” Valverde says. In this process, acid from bacteria is released on our teeth after we eat and drink, weakening the enamel, or hard surface of the tooth, leading to cavities. 

On choosing the right brush for your mouth: Soft bristles are best; hard bristles could cause trauma to gums. It’s also important to use a brush with a small head, which can better access hard-to-reach areas in the back of the mouth, such as molars and pre-molars.

On the benefits of electric toothbrushes: These vibrating wonders have their benefits: “Studies do show that they perform better in plaque removal compared with manual toothbrushes,” she says, simply because the electric brush moves more and reaches deeper areas, dislodging more plaque.

On flossing: Who hasn’t sometimes fibbed at the dentist about our flossing habits?  But flossing once a day is the American Dental Association’s recommendation, and it matters. Why? 

“Toothbrushes are not able to get into spaces between our teeth and below the gum line the way floss can,” she explains.

Valverde tells patients to floss at least once a day, at night, disrupting a day’s worth of debris.

On when to bid goodbye to your brush: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or earlier if the bristles begin to fray. Rinse and pat dry after every use, and store in a dry place.

On the allure of over-the-counter mouthwash: Believe it or not, it isn’t essential. 

“They’re truly more of a preference for patients. If you feel your breath is more refreshed, that’s fine—but there are no major additional benefits from using it when compared with brushing and flossing,” she says. If you do opt for mouthwash, look for a non-alcohol version to avoid dry mouth.

On whitening toothpastes: Ah, so tempting. There’s often no harm in using them, but know this: “If you have very yellow or dark teeth, and you need a big level of improvement, you might not be able to see change just with whitening toothpaste,” Valverde says. In other words: It’s a job for your dentist. 

“Another consideration is that these toothpastes do have more chemicals than regular ones, so always consult with your dentist about which one is best for you,” she says.

On setting the right example for kids: Toothbrushing might not be your child’s favorite activity, so it’s important to set a good example. 

“As a mom, and also as a dentist, I tell my patients: Your kids will follow your steps. They should brush twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, with parent supervision until they’re about 7 or 8. Flossing by themselves might take a bit longer, until they’re 10 or 11,” Valverde says.

Kids might find it easier to move their brush in a circular motion instead of at a 45-degree angle, which still gets the job done. And, like grownups, kids should brush with a fluoride toothpaste, regardless of flavor.