Proper Teeth Brushing Technique

Sunday, June 04, 2006

It is very important to brush your teeth properly in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. An improper brushing technique can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Before you even begin to brush your teeth, choose a toothbrush that is right for you. Your toothbrush should be easy to hold, has a smaller head (easier to reach the back teeth), and should have nylon bristles. Natural bristles tend to build-up more bacteria on them.

Use a soft bristled toothbrush. Medium or hard bristled toothbrushes can wear down the enamel on your teeth, which can lead to sensitivity and tooth decay.

Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.


Step 1:
Begin by gently cleaning the outer surfaces of your upper teeth first, then your lower teeth, 2-3 teeth at a time. Tilt your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against the gumline and sweep the brush away from the gumline.

Step 2:
Using the same technique as on the outside surface of your teeth, (hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against the gumline and sweep the brush away from the gumline), clean the inner surfaces (tongue side) of your upper teeth and then your lower teeth.

Step 3:
Gently brush the chewing surface of each tooth using short back and forth strokes. Do not scrub your teeth. Scrubbing your teeth can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear down and weaken as well as causing your gums to recede or become damaged.

Step 4:
Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Step 5:
Gently floss your teeth.

Step 6:
Rinse with warm water or mouthwash to remove any loose debris and excess toothpaste.


Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, 3 times a day. Brush your teeth after a snack. If you can not brush your teeth after a snack, at least rinse your mouth out with water.

Do not skip brushing your teeth before bedtime. While you sleep, your saliva flow slows down. Throughout the day, saliva helps to wash away food and debris from your teeth. Without a steady flow of saliva, your mouth becomes dry and it is easy for plaque to form and stick to your teeth. Plaque becomes tartar, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

When brushing, pay close attention to teeth that have crowns, bridges, implants, fillings, or other types of restorations. These restored teeth are more prone to plaque build-up. It is vital to the health of these teeth to keep them as clean as possible. Failure to do so can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and failure of the restoration.