Buzz
Brushing your teeth isn't just about achieving a brighter smile and fresher breath; it's crucial for your overall health. By brushing, you eliminate plaque – a thin layer of bacteria that sticks to your teeth, causing cavities and gum disease. If you neglect this for too long, your teeth could even fall out! Bad breath caused by oral hygiene issues can make others avoid you, especially those close to you. You already know why brushing is important, but if you're looking to master effective brushing techniques, the tips below will guide you.
Steps to Follow
Use the Right Tools
Choose a Good Toothbrush. Opt for a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles to efficiently remove plaque and food particles without hurting your gums or wearing down enamel, which can happen with brushes that have hard bristles. The toothbrush should fit comfortably in your hand and have a small enough head to reach all your teeth, especially the back molars. If you find it hard to maneuver the brush in your mouth, it might be too big.
- An electric toothbrush is a great option if you find brushing tedious, as it may encourage you to spend more time brushing. However, manual brushing can still be effective as long as you use the right technique.
- It's best to brush with a manual toothbrush in the morning and an electric toothbrush in the evening.
- Stay away from brushes with “natural” bristles made from animal hair, as they can harbor bacteria.
Regularly replacing your toothbrush is crucial. After some time of use, the bristles will wear out, losing their softness and effectiveness. It is recommended to replace the toothbrush every 3-4 months, or immediately if the bristles become frayed or lose their shape. Visually inspecting the brush is more important than simply relying on time estimates. You can also opt for a toothbrush with a color-changing handle to easily tell when it's time to replace it.
- Studies show that thousands of bacteria inhabit the handle and bristles of the toothbrush, potentially causing infections.
- After about three months, the bristles may become too stiff and could harm your gums.
- Always rinse your toothbrush after use, store it upright, and avoid covering it to ensure it dries properly before the next use. Otherwise, bacteria will develop.
Use toothpaste containing fluoride. Fluoride helps not only remove plaque but also strengthens tooth enamel. However, it is important to remember not to swallow fluoride toothpaste, as it can be harmful to your health if ingested in large amounts. Fluoride toothpaste should not be used for children under 3 years old.
- You can choose from a variety of toothpastes that target different oral health issues such as cavities, tartar, sensitive gums, gingivitis, and tooth discoloration. Pick the one that best suits your needs and consult with a dentist or oral hygiene expert for recommendations.
Flossing is just as essential as brushing your teeth, as it removes plaque buildup, bacteria, and food particles stuck between your teeth that a toothbrush may miss. You should floss regularly before brushing so that any trapped food or bacteria are cleared away.
- Be gentle when flossing. Avoid "forcing" the floss between your teeth, as this could hurt your sensitive gums. Glide the floss along the sides of each tooth with care.
- If you find flossing awkward or have braces, consider using dental picks—small plastic or wooden sticks designed to fit between your teeth and provide similar results to flossing, if the spaces between your teeth are wide enough.
- Another option is a dental flossing tool with a pick at the other end, designed to make flossing easier.
Perfect your brushing technique.
Use only a small amount of toothpaste. Squeeze out a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto your toothbrush. Using too much toothpaste can result in excessive foam, forcing you to spit more often or even finish brushing prematurely. Additionally, you run the risk of swallowing more fluoride toothpaste, which can be harmful to your health.
- If brushing causes discomfort, try using a gentler brushing motion or switch to a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth.
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Gently brush your teeth using short vertical or circular motions. Avoid brushing horizontally across the surface of your teeth.
Spend at least 3 minutes brushing your teeth. Work on a few teeth at a time, brushing in circular motions (start from the outer surface of the lower left teeth, move across to the right, then brush the outer surface of the upper left to right, followed by the inside of the upper teeth, and lastly, the bottom from right to left). This method ensures 12-15 seconds for each area. You can divide your mouth into four sections: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. Spending 30 seconds per section adds up to a total of 2 minutes of brushing.
- Start brushing the outer surface of the lower left teeth, move to the right, then continue with the upper right and left. After that, brush the inner surfaces of the upper teeth, followed by the inner right and left bottom teeth.
- If you find brushing tedious, try doing it while watching a movie or humming a song. Brushing for the duration of a song ensures you’ve covered all areas!
Brush your molars. Position the toothbrush perpendicular to your lips so the bristles rest on the lower molars. Brush from the inside out. Repeat the same for the other side of the mouth. Once your lower molars are clean, tilt the brush upwards to clean the upper molars. Always move the lower jaw towards the area you are brushing to create more space for brushing up and down.
- To reach the outer surface of the upper molars, push the lower jaw in the direction you’re brushing. This opens up space, allowing you to brush without horizontal movements.
Brush the inside of your teeth. Gently tilt the brush towards your gums and clean each tooth individually. According to dental reports, the area most commonly missed is the inside of the lower front teeth, so make sure not to neglect them! Ensure your mouth is open wide enough by using two or three fingers from the opposite hand to stretch it. This will help you maintain a vertical angle to reach the gumline effectively.
Gently brush your tongue. After cleaning your teeth, use the toothbrush to softly clean your tongue. (Don’t press too hard as it can harm the tongue’s soft tissue.) This step helps maintain fresh breath and eliminates bacteria from your tongue.
End
Mouthwash. If you decide to use mouthwash after brushing, take a small sip from a disposable cup or the palm of your hand. Swish it around in your mouth and spit it out.
- There is some debate over whether or not mouthwashing after brushing is beneficial. Some argue it diminishes the effectiveness of fluoride on your teeth, while others are concerned it might lead to swallowing fluoride. On the other hand, some people dislike the feeling of leftover toothpaste in their mouths! If you're prone to cavities, it might be better to skip the mouthwash or use a small amount of water to create a fluoride mouthwash effectively.
- Other studies suggest that rinsing with mouthwash after brushing doesn’t affect the fluoride benefits of toothpaste.
Rinse your toothbrush. Hold your toothbrush under running water for a few seconds to remove any bacteria. If you don’t rinse it properly, you might reintroduce bacteria into your mouth the next time you brush. Thoroughly rinsing also gets rid of any leftover toothpaste. Store your brush in a dry place to avoid bacterial growth.
Finish with fluoride mouthwash (Optional). Take a small sip of fluoride mouthwash, swish it in your mouth for about 30 seconds, and spit it out. Make sure not to swallow.
Rinse with saltwater (Optional). Saltwater helps eliminate harmful bacteria in your mouth. Some people believe saltwater is acidic and may erode teeth if overused, so it’s best not to use too much. Like with anything, moderation is key.
- For an added antibacterial protective layer, use chlorhexidine mouthwash before bed, but avoid using it continuously for more than two weeks.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Most dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice daily: once in the morning and once before bed. If you can brush once more during the day, that's even better! Try brushing with the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, as this method helps remove plaque, food, and beverage residue more effectively than your regular technique. Also, try to limit snacking between meals, as it promotes bacteria and plaque buildup on your teeth.
Joseph Whitehouse, MA, DDS
Dentist
Dentist
Expert advice: If you visit the dentist regularly, ask them if they notice any areas you may be missing while brushing. They can point out spots you might be neglecting.
Advice
- If you can’t brush after a meal, at least rinse your mouth to dislodge food particles.
- Brush for at least two minutes.
- If your gums bleed easily, it could indicate gum inflammation (gingivitis). See a dentist. Gingivitis can lead to tooth loss, bad breath, and even harm to the heart valve. Don’t stop brushing if your gums bleed—switch to a softer toothbrush instead.
- There are toothbrushes with timers to alert you when to stop brushing. These can be helpful when brushing different areas of your mouth.
- Brush about 10 minutes after eating.
- Electric toothbrushes are often more effective because they do the scrubbing for you, but a good brushing routine is more important than whether you use an electric brush or not.
- Most people tend to follow a routine when brushing. Try starting in a different area each time to avoid repeatedly missing the same spots.
- Use toothpicks to remove food debris from between your teeth.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up, x-rays, and a cleaning.
- After drinking soda, alcohol, or acidic juices like orange juice, wait at least 45 minutes before brushing. These drinks leave acids on your teeth, and brushing too soon can damage tooth enamel.
- Finally, brush in the morning and before bed. Brush after meals if possible, but don’t overdo it; excessive brushing can harm your teeth.
- If you want to brush your tongue (which is highly recommended), make sure not to brush too far back into your throat.
Warning
- Don’t brush too hard. Your gums are very sensitive.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months. Frayed bristles can damage your gums.
- Never use someone else’s toothbrush. You could spread germs, bacteria, or infections through tiny cuts in your mouth.
- Don’t forget to brush. Skipping this important habit can lead to cavities.
- Wait at least 45 minutes after consuming acidic foods or drinks before brushing to avoid damaging enamel.
- Don’t swallow toothpaste or mouthwash. These products contain harmful chemicals like ammonia and cetylpyridinium chloride that can be toxic if ingested.
- Some bleeding may occur in areas with gum inflammation for a few days, but it will heal quickly and leave your mouth feeling fresher.
- If you accidentally swallow more toothpaste or mouthwash than intended, see a doctor or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
What You’ll Need
- Dental floss
- Toothpaste
- Water
- Saltwater (Optional)
- Mouthwash (Optional)
- High-quality toothbrush
