Take a Minute to Review The Correct Way to Brush your Teeth

Chances are you have been brushing your teeth for years, but are you doing it the right way?

Small corrective changes can have a big impact on the effectiveness of brushing your teeth, and learning the correct way to brush your teeth is one of the best steps you can take toward good dental health. Follow this step-by-step guide to brushing to remove plaque and keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Step One

Choose a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles, then moisten it with a bit of water.

Step Two

Apply a thin layer of toothpaste to the brush. It should be enough to cover the entire length of the brush’s head.

Step Three

Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and use circular, rolling strokes to brush from your gumline to your teeth. Use gentle pressure because brushing too forcefully can harm your gums and enamel.

Step Four

Brush your upper back teeth first. Most people brush harder when they first start, then let up the pressure as they clean other teeth. The upper back teeth are the hardest to reach, but they also generally have the most plaque build up.

Step Five

Do not forget to brush your tongue! Use a gentle back and forth motion to remove the white film that covers the tongue. Doing so removes bacteria and eliminates bad breath.

Step Six

Continue brushing for at least two minutes, then spit out your toothpaste. Do not rinse your mouth because the fluoride in toothpaste continues to work even after you are done brushing.

Step Seven

Replace your toothbrush every three months to keep your mouth squeaky clean. A worn out toothbrush will be less effective the longer you use it, so keep a new one available.

With many regular habits we have in life, it’s common to think what we’ve been doing is the correct way, but dentists will tell you that there’s a right way to brush and making sure you follow these simple steps will help to ensure healthy gums and teeth for a lifetime.