How to Brush Your Teeth
The fundamentals of effective brushing for maximum protection.
1 min read
We all acknowledge the importance of brushing, yet many people still don't brush correctly. Here are the fundamentals to ensure you're giving yourself the maximum amount of protection.
How often to brush
In a perfect world, you'd brush every time you eat — every meal exposes your teeth to plaque, which attaches to teeth and works to decay enamel or infect gums. While that's not practical, twice a day is the minimum: once at the start of your day after hours of plaque build-up, and once at the end after eating and snacking.
Brushing technique
Only a pea-sized bit of toothpaste is needed. Use a fluoridated, ADA-approved toothpaste — fluoride protects enamel and can even reverse early decay. Hold the brush at a 45° angle to clean both teeth and gums, using a gentle circular motion. Plaque is delicate and easily removed; brushing too hard can injure gums and invite infection. Brush the chewing surfaces, the front and back, and your tongue and the roof of your mouth. With proper technique, only two minutes are required.
Powered toothbrushes
If you use a powered toothbrush, hold it at the proper angle and move it across all areas of your mouth — the brush does the rest. Again, two minutes is all it takes.