Do you feel like this cartoon when you floss your teeth, all thumbs and tangled up? Flossing is really not that difficult to master and once you have your teeth, gums and dentist will love you for it.

It is recommended that you start out with about 18” of floss. Wind it around one of your middle fingers and the rest around the same finger on your other hand. Glide the floss between the teeth and then gently pull the floss completely out through the front. This will allow the floss to collect everything and remove it from your teeth and mouth.

Proper brushing is also important for the health of your teeth and mouth. Holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and making sure that you completely brush all 3 surfaces, back, front and top, of your teeth. Move the toothbrush frequently to reach every tooth as it can only clean one or two teeth at a time. The 2-minute rule is best to follow for the length of time you should brush and do this at least 2 times per day.

Follow these simple techniques and you and your dentist will be smiling.