Are You Brushing Your Teeth Properly Every Day? (From Choosing Oral Care Products to How to Use Them)

“Why do cavities still happen if I brush every day?”

“Do I really need to use floss?”

“Can mouthwash be used instead of brushing?”

Even if you brush three times a day, if your oral care products are used incorrectly,

cavities, gum disease, and bad breath can easily develop.

Start with choosing the right toothbrush

A toothbrush is the foundation of oral care.

But a “good toothbrush” is not an expensive one,

it is one that suits the shape of your teeth and the condition of your gums.

✅ Soft-bristled toothbrush – Recommended for people with sensitive gums or tooth sensitivity

✅ Medium-bristle toothbrush – Suitable for most adults

✅ Small-head toothbrush – Allows detailed cleaning even in hard-to-reach areas

Replace your toothbrush every 3 months,

and if the bristles are frayed, replace it immediately.

Worn bristles are much more likely to allow bacterial growth

than to provide effective cleaning.

Do you really need floss and interdental brushes?

Many people think, “Brushing alone is enough,”

but toothbrush bristles do not fully reach

between the teeth.

If food debris and plaque remain in those gaps,

they can cause cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath.

That is why floss and interdental brushes are needed.

How to use floss

1️⃣ Cut about 40 cm of floss and wrap it around both hands.

2️⃣ Slowly wrap it around the space between the teeth in a “C shape”

and move it up and down.

3️⃣ Gently insert it slightly below the gum line

and clean softly.

💡 Caution

If you force it in too hard, you may injure your gums,

so move slowly and minimize friction.

How to use an interdental brush

For people with wider spaces between teeth or orthodontic appliances,

an interdental brush is more efficient.

Gently scrub areas that floss cannot reach to remove plaque.

✅ After use, rinse under running water and

let it dry completely.

✅ Using it once a day, before bedtime, is most effective.

Mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing

Many people ask, “When I’m too lazy to brush,

can I just use mouthwash?”

But mouthwash is an “auxiliary care product.”

After physical cleaning with a toothbrush and floss,

it plays the role of chemically suppressing remaining bacteria.

Precautions when choosing mouthwash

✅ Alcohol-free – Less irritating to the gums and

causes less dryness

✅ Products containing fluoride – Strengthen cavity prevention

✅ Contains antibacterial ingredients – Suppresses bad breath and plaque

💡 Tip

30 minutes after brushing, use mouthwash for at least 30 seconds and spit it out.

If you rinse with water, the active ingredients will be washed away immediately.

Keep using tongue cleaners and Waterpiks consistently

Tongue cleaner

A bacterial film builds up on the surface of the tongue and causes bad breath.

Use a soft tongue cleaner and sweep from back to front

in one direction.

However, too much pressure can

damage the taste buds.

Waterpik (oral irrigator)

This is a device that cleans between the gums and teeth

with a high-pressure stream of water.

It is especially useful for people who have difficulty using floss

or for implant and orthodontic patients.

However, a Waterpik does not replace brushing

and should be used as an auxiliary care tool.

Real care is completed by oral care products + regular checkups

No matter how good your oral care products are,

tartar and plaque harden over time

and become difficult to remove on your own.

Therefore, professional care through regular scaling and checkups every 6 months is essential.

At Seoul Ove Dental Hospital,

we precisely scan and photograph the patient’s oral condition

to provide a personalized oral care routine.

✅ Early diagnosis of cavities and gum disease

✅ Education on proper brushing and oral care product use

✅ Customized care programs for post-surgery and implant patients

The way to protect healthy teeth and gums through regular care

Seoul Ove Dental Hospital will be with you. 🦷✨

📍 Seoul Ove Dental Hospital

4th–5th Floors, 196 Baekjegobun-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

☎ 02-418-2275

🚇 3-minute walk from Samjeon Station Exit 2

💬 Consultation available via Naver TalkTalk / KakaoTalk ‘Seoul Ove Dental’