Brush Your Teeth Basics

Brushing your teeth helps remove plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Periodontal disease is a common ailment and is prevented by brushing your teeth regularly. It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day to help prevent tooth problems and promote good oral health. Proper teeth brushing technique is to brush gently over the gum line in slow circular motions. Brushing your teeth regularly can also help prevent bad breath and boost confidence in your smile.

Pick The Right Toothbrush

When answering the question of how to brush your teeth the right toothbrush matters. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth and has a shape that can reach all parts of your mouth. Consider an electric toothbrush for its ease of use and effectiveness in removing plaque and food debris. Most often, an electric toothbrush will have a timer or pressure sensors to help you brush correctly. Select a fluoride toothpaste that has been given the ADA Seal of Acceptance for safety and effectiveness.

The Brushing Process

Wet your toothbrush with water and apply fluoride toothpaste. For both, a manual toothbrush and electric toothbrush place your brush against your gum line at a 45-degree angle and brush your teeth in small circular motions, making sure to cover all surfaces. Gently brush the front, back, and top surfaces of your teeth, including the chewing surfaces and inner surfaces. Pay special attention to areas where your teeth and gums meet. Avoid using too much pressure, which can damage gums and tooth enamel. Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to finish removing all food debris and bacteria.

Frequency And Maintenance

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed. Replace your toothbrush or brush head every 3-6 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Regularly clean your toothbrush with soap and water to prevent the buildup of bacteria. Store your toothbrush in a dry place to prevent bacterial growth.

Additional Oral Health Tips

Floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under your gum line. Rinse your mouth with water after meals to prevent acid buildup and after brushing to remove remaining toothpaste. Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to keep teeth healthy and strong. Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

How To Brush Your Teeth Part 2

The Wrong Way To Brush

Now that we’ve discussed proper brushing technique we must address what not to do when you brush your teeth. Unfortunately, many adults don’t seem to have ever learned how to properly brush their teeth. Many people seem to think that brushing their teeth extremely vigorously back and forth in a zig-zag pattern is somehow doing them some good. In reality, this is missing key areas at best, and wearing down your tooth enamel at worst. In the long-term, that means you’re basically just causing yourself more problems.

If that’s how you’ve been brushing your teeth, take those old habits and toss ‘em out the window! Instead, think about how a dental hygienist would brush your teeth. How do they brush your front teeth and other sensitive areas? Do they use hard bristled brushes? No, cosmetic dentistry offices use soft bristles and gently brush your teeth.

If you have children, be sure to show them how to brush their teeth properly as well. Instilling children with proper brushing technique at a young age will go a long way in their long-term dental hygiene, preventing all kinds of dental problems in the future. Start by doing it for them as you explain how and why you are doing so, then over time, make sure they have gotten a handle on it themselves. Be sure to use a small amount of toothpaste for your young ones, generally about the size of a pea.

In Summary

• First, you need the right kind of toothbrush. That means one that was purchased within the last 3 months. You shouldn’t be brushing with a toothbrush that is overly frayed, as it simply won’t clean your teeth properly.
• You should be brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste. To segment this time out, remember to spend about 30 seconds on each segment of your mouth – the upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left.
• Properly positioning your toothbrush is important. Your toothbrush should be placed at a 45 degree angle for the inner and outer surfaces. Make sure that you can reach all the way to the back teeth, gently moving the toothbrush along the width of each tooth.
• Brush your teeth in a circular motion, paying attention to not only the teeth, but the gumline as well. It is important to “massage” the gumline with the toothbrush, as doing so will help clear out bacteria that could eventually lead to periodontal (gum) disease, a painful inflammation of the gums.
• Don’t forget about your tongue! You will want to clean off all odor-causing bacteria and remaining food particles by brushing your tongue in a back-to-front sweeping motion.
• Remember the real experts in teeth brushing and make regular appointments with your dentist for an exam, x-ray, and cleaning! Maintaining proper dental care will prevent problems before they have the chance to develop.