Let’s be honest—most of us think we’ve got brushing and flossing down by now.
You grab your brush, throw on some paste, do the ol’ back-and-forth shuffle for 30 seconds (if that), and rinse with a half-hearted swish. Done. Flossing? Optional. Maybe on Sundays.
Sound familiar?
Well… it shouldn’t.
Because brushing like that? It’s doing barely enough—and in some cases, making things worse.
If Brushing Was an Exam… Most People Are Failing
No sugar-coating it.
We’ve seen the stats. We’ve seen the mouths.
People brush too fast, too hard, and not long enough.
Or they floss like it’s a weird chore their dentist invented just to mess with them.
And then they wonder why they still get cavities. Or why their gums are bleeding.
Spoiler: It’s not bad luck. It’s bad habits.
The Basics — But Done Right
Let’s reset the foundation. Here’s what real dentists (not influencers with pearly veneers) say you should be doing.
🪥 The Right Way to Brush
✅ 1. Use a Soft-Bristled Brush
Hard bristles? Nope. That’s not “extra clean”—it’s extra damage.
Soft bristles clean just as well without shredding your enamel or irritating your gums.
✅ 2. Go for 2 Minutes
Yes, two full minutes. Not 37 seconds.
Use a timer if you have to—or hum a long song (no, not just the chorus).
✅ 3. Hold at a 45° Angle
Tilt your brush toward the gum line.
That’s where bacteria love to party—and where most people completely miss.
✅ 4. Gentle, Circular Motions
Scrubbing like you’re polishing a pan? Please stop.
Use small, gentle circles. Think massage, not sanding wood.
✅ 5. Don’t Forget the Hidden Zones
Inner sides. Chewing surfaces. Behind your back molars. Tongue.
You know—the places you always forget when you’re rushing.
🦷 How Often Should You Brush?
Twice a day.
Morning and before bed.
Not “after every snack.” That’s overkill—and yes, you can over-brush.
Flossing: The Underrated MVP of Oral Health
Let’s talk floss.
You know—the thing half the population ignores, and the other half does wrong.
Brushing only cleans 60% of your teeth.
The rest? In between. Where plaque throws wild parties.
Skipping floss is like cleaning a car and leaving the windows filthy.
It looks fine from afar—until you get close.
🧵 The Right Way to Floss
✅ 1. Use Enough Floss
Like, 18 inches. Wrap it around your fingers. You’re not sawing a tree; you need control.
✅ 2. Glide, Don’t Jam
Slide the floss gently between your teeth.
No snapping. Your gums aren’t trampoline nets.
✅ 3. Curve It Into a C-Shape
Once it’s between the teeth, curve the floss around each tooth like a “C.”
Then gently slide it up and down the side. Twice. Maybe three times.
✅ 4. New Section for Each Tooth
Reusing the same piece? That’s just spreading yesterday’s gunk around.
Gross. Don’t.
What About Water Flossers and Mouthwash?
Water flossers? Great add-on, especially if you have braces or implants.
But they don’t replace traditional floss. Sorry.
Mouthwash? A good rinse after brushing. Choose one with fluoride and zero alcohol if your gums are sensitive.
But remember: mouthwash is the backup dancer—not the headliner.
Real Talk: “But I Brush Really Hard Because I Want Them Extra Clean”
Ah yes. The overachievers.
Here’s what aggressive brushing actually gets you:
- Worn enamel
- Receding gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- A dentist shaking their head at you
Want a better clean? Don’t go harder. Go smarter.
Real Patient Example: The Floss Convert
We had a patient—let’s call him Ali. Had perfect brushing technique. Used a high-end electric brush. Still kept getting cavities between his molars.
Guess what?
He never flossed. Thought his toothbrush was “good enough.”
Two months into daily flossing?
No new cavities. Gums healthier. Breath fresher.
He even said, “Why didn’t I start this earlier?”
Great question, Ali.
Common Excuses. And Why They Suck.
- “I don’t have time.” You scroll Instagram longer than it takes to brush right.
- “Flossing hurts.” That’s because your gums are inflamed. Start gently. They’ll toughen up—in a good way.
- “I forget.” Set a reminder. Tape a floss pack to your mirror. Tattoo it on your forehead. Whatever works.
Bottom line? You’ve got 32 reasons to make time.
Well, maybe fewer depending on past dental drama—but you get it.
At Legacy Care, We’ll Show You—Not Just Tell You
We don’t just scold you with a dental lecture and send you out the door.
We’ll:
- Show you exactly how to brush and floss for your teeth
- Recommend the right tools (yes, brush type matters)
- Catch problems early—before they need fillings, root canals, or emotional damage
And no, we won’t make you feel bad. We’ve all been there.
We just want you to leave knowing better—and doing better.
So let’s end with this:
If you’re going to brush anyway…
Why not do it right?
📞 Book your cleaning or checkup at Legacy Care: +971 527073394
📅 Online booking: https://www.legacycare.ae/book-appointment/
📍 Business Bay & Al Warqa 1
Your mouth does a lot for you. Time to return the favor.