| How to Brush Your Teeth Properly Jan 31st 2013, 14:00 Brushing your teeth is not just for a whiter smile and fresher breath, it's important for your overall health.[1] When you brush, you remove plaque—a thin film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth and will cause cavities, gum disease, and if you ignore it long enough, will cause your teeth to fall out![2] You know why to brush, but if you would like to learn how to brush your teeth effectively, this article is for you. Read on! Part One: What To Use - Use a good toothbrush. Your toothbrush should have soft nylon bristles which are gentler on your gums, fit comfortably in your hand, and have a small enough head so that it reaches all your teeth easily.[3]
- Replace your toothbrush regularly. The bristles will wear out over time, losing their flexibility and effectiveness. You should get a new one every 3 months, or as soon as the bristles start to splay out and lose their shape.
- Research has found that thousands of microbes call toothbrush bristles and handles "home," and can cause infections.[4]
- Always rinse your brush after using it, and store it upright and uncovered so that it can dry before your next use.[5]
- Use a fluoride toothpaste. It not only helps remove plaque, it also helps strengthen tooth enamel.[6] However, it's important to note that fluoride toothpaste is not to be swallowed, as ingesting too much can have serious health consequences.[7]
Part Two: How To Brush - Wet your toothbrush. Squeeze only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto your toothbrush. Applying too much toothpaste can cause over-sudsing, tempting you to spit and finish too early.[8]
- If brushing is painful, switch to a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth.
- Set your bristles at the gum line at a 45-degree angle. Gently brush with a short, vertical or circular motion. Don't brush across your teeth.[9]
- Clean all your teeth. Brushing just a few teeth at a time, work your way around your mouth so that you get every tooth, spending about 12 to 15 seconds in each spot. If it helps, you can divide your mouth into quadrants: top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right. If you spend 30 seconds on each quadrant, you'll get a full two minutes of brushing time in.
- Brush your molars. Position the toothbrush so that it's perpendicular to your lips, or so that the bristles are resting on top of your bottom molars. Work the toothbrush in an in-and-out motion, and move from the back of your mouth to the front. Repeat on the other side of your mouth. When the bottom teeth are clean, flip the toothbrush over and work on the top molars.
- Brush the inner surfaces of your teeth. Tip the toothbrush so that the head of the toothbrush is pointing towards your gum line, and brush each tooth. Dentists report that the most commonly skipped area is the inside of the lower front teeth, so be sure not to forget those![10]
- Gently brush your tongue. After you've cleaned your teeth, use the bristles of your toothbrush to gently clean your tongue. (Don't press too hard, or you'll damage the tissue.) This helps keep bad breath away.
- Rinse out your mouth. If you choose to rinse after brushing, take a sip of water from a disposable cup, or cup your hands under the faucet. Swish it around your mouth, and spit it out.
- Note that there is some debate on whether or not this is recommended. While some feel that it reduces the efficacy of the topical fluoride treatment, others wish to ensure that no fluoride is ingested. There are also those who just don't like having toothpaste in their mouths! If you're at a high risk of getting cavities, it may be beneficial not to rinse, or rinse with just a small amount of water—effectively creating a fluoride mouthwash.[11]
- Other studies have shown that rinsing after brushing has no significant impact on the effectiveness of brushing with a fluoride toothpaste.[12]
- Rinse your toothbrush. Hold your toothbrush under running water for a few seconds, or (if you have a bowl or cup of water) wiggle it around under water for a bit.
- Finish with a fluoride-based mouthwash. (Optional) Take a small sip of mouthwash, swish it in your mouth for about 30 seconds, and spit it out. Be careful not to swallow any.
- If you can't brush after a meal, at least swish water in your mouth to loosen food particles.
- If your gums bleed easily, that's a sign your might have inflamed gums (gingivitis). See your dentist. Gingivitis is a serious cause not only of tooth loss, and bad breath, but of infection of the heart valves. Don't stop brushing if your gums bleed, but do switch to a softer toothbrush.
- Try to brush your teeth after drinking coffee, red wine, or dark teas. Over time, all these beverages can stain teeth permanently.
- Floss before brushing your teeth.
- Brushing should take about 2 to 3 minutes. If you have a hard time figuring out how long you're brushing, try listening to a song as you brush. Most pop songs are around 3 minutes.
- Visit a dentist at least every six months for an exam, x-rays, and a cleaning.
- Electric toothbrushes are better because you don't have to "rub" your teeth—but in general, good brushing habits are much more important than whether or not you use an electric brush.
- Most people follow the same routine while brushing. Consider starting in a different location each time you brush, to avoid missing the same spots repeatedly.
- At the very least, brush your teeth in the morning and before you go to bed. Brush after every meal if possible, but don't overdo it: too much brushing is not good for your teeth.[13]
- Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after drinking soda or acidic juices such as orange juice. Sodas and juices leave residual acids on the teeth, and brushing can actually damage the enamel.[14]
Edit Warnings - Do not swallow toothpaste or mouthwash.
- Do not skip brushing your teeth—it can cause tooth decay.
- Don't brush too hard. Gums are very sensitive tissue.
- Wait for 30-60 minutes after eating acidic foods or drinks before brushing, to prevent erosion of tooth enamel.
- Never use someone else's toothbrush. You can transfer germs, bacteria, and diseases through microscopic cuts in your mouth.
Edit Things You'll Need - Floss
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Water
- Mouthwash(optional)
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