How to Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth is an important part of your dental care routine. For a healthy mouth and smile we recommend you:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Ideally an hour after each meal. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.
- Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed or bent beyond 30 degrees. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
- Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
Proper Brushing Techniques
- Place bristles along the gumline at a 45° angle. Bristles should contact both the tooth surface and the gumline
- Gently brush in continuous half circular motions on the outer surface of the teeth. Don't scrub.
- Maintain a 45 angle with bristles contacting the tooth surface and gumline. Gently brush using continuous half circular motions along all of the inner tooth surfaces.
- Tilt brush vertically behind the front teeth. Make several up & down strokes using the front half of the brush.
- Place the brush against the biting surface of the teeth and use a gentle back & forth scrubbing motion. Brush the tongue from back to front to remove odor-producing bacteria.
