Brushing & Flossing My Teeth

Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day keeps teeth clean, healthy, and free from cavities.

Reading is good — doing is better. Practice Brushing & Flossing My Teeth as an interactive lesson.

Definition

Brushing and flossing are two ways we clean our teeth every day. Brushing uses a toothbrush and toothpaste to scrub the surfaces of our teeth. Flossing uses a thin string called floss to clean the tiny spaces between our teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Together, they remove food bits and a sticky coating called plaque that can hurt our teeth over time.

Remember the rule

Brush 2 minutes, 2 times a day + floss 1 time a day = Happy, healthy teeth!

Key words

Plaque: A sticky, invisible film of germs that forms on teeth after we eat. It can cause cavities if we do not brush it away.
Cavity: A small hole in a tooth caused by germs and sugar eating away at the tooth. Cavities can hurt and need a dentist to fix.
Floss: A thin, soft string used to clean the spaces between teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach.
Toothpaste: A paste put on a toothbrush that helps scrub away plaque and has fluoride to make teeth strong.
Fluoride: A natural mineral found in toothpaste that makes the outer layer of teeth harder so germs cannot damage them as easily.
Gums: The pink, soft skin around the bottom of your teeth that holds them in place. Healthy gums do not bleed or hurt.
Enamel: The hard outer layer that covers and protects each tooth. Brushing and fluoride help keep enamel strong.
Dentist: A doctor who checks and cleans your teeth and fixes problems like cavities, usually every six months.

Worked examples

How long should I brush my teeth?

→ Brush for 2 full minutes — that is about as long as singing the ABCs four times in a row. · Two minutes gives the toothpaste enough time to clean all surfaces and let fluoride work.

How much toothpaste should a 1st grader use?

→ Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste — just a small dot about the size of a green pea on your brush. · Too much toothpaste creates extra foam and makes kids spit too soon, cutting brushing time short.

Which parts of the tooth do I need to brush?

→ Brush the front, the back, and the flat chewing top of every tooth. Do not forget your back teeth and your tongue! · Missing the back teeth is the most common spot where cavities start because they are hard to see.

When should I brush my teeth each day?

→ Brush once in the morning after breakfast and once at night right before bed. · Brushing before bed is the most important because germs work on your teeth all night while you sleep.

How do I floss between my teeth?

→ Pull out about 18 inches of floss and wrap most of it around your middle fingers. Gently slide a small section between two teeth in a C-shape, move it up and down, then move to the next space with a clean piece of floss. · The C-shape hugs the tooth so the floss cleans along the side of each tooth, not just the gap.

How often should I visit the dentist?

→ Go to the dentist every 6 months — that is two times a year — even if your teeth feel fine. · The dentist can spot tiny problems early before they turn into big, painful cavities.

Common mistakes

Brushing too fast — most kids brush for only 30 seconds instead of the full 2 minutes, which leaves plaque behind.
Pressing too hard — scrubbing with lots of force does not clean better and can hurt gums over time; use gentle, small circles instead.
Forgetting the back teeth and the gum line — these hidden spots are where plaque hides and cavities start most often.
Skipping flossing because it feels tricky — flossing removes up to 40% of the germs on tooth surfaces, so skipping it leaves a lot of plaque behind.
Rinsing with a big gulp of water right after brushing — this washes away the fluoride from the toothpaste before it can protect your teeth; just spit and leave the small amount of foam on your teeth.

FAQs

Does it matter if I brush before or after breakfast?

Brush after breakfast in the morning so you clean away the food and sugar you just ate. At night, always brush after your last snack or meal.

My gums bleed a little when I floss. Is that bad?

A little bleeding when you first start flossing is normal because your gums are not used to it. If you floss every day, the bleeding usually stops after about a week. If it keeps hurting, tell a grown-up and visit the dentist.

Can I use mouthwash instead of brushing?

No. Mouthwash is a helper, not a replacement. Only brushing and flossing actually scrub away the sticky plaque on your teeth. Kids under 6 should not use mouthwash at all.

What if I lose a baby tooth — do I still need to brush?

Yes! You still brush all your other teeth every day. When the new grown-up tooth grows in, it needs brushing right away because grown-up teeth are the ones you keep forever.

Does the kind of toothbrush matter?

Use a soft-bristle toothbrush that is the right size for your mouth — it should fit comfortably and reach your back teeth. Replace it every 3 months or sooner if the bristles look bent and frayed.

Is it okay to eat after I brush my teeth at night?

No. After your nighttime brushing, do not eat or drink anything except plain water. Eating after brushing puts sugar and food back on your clean teeth all night long.

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