One of the pillars of good oral hygiene is properly brushing your teeth. Not only will it get rid of bad breath and food particles, but it can also prevent painful conditions, including gingivitis and cavities. There are lots of different brushes, techniques, and types of toothpaste that can change how you brush your teeth, but for this guide, we are focusing on technique alone.
As well as brushing, you should try to floss at least once a day and incorporate it into a daily routine. Using dental floss will allow you to remove food particles that are too deep for the bristles of a toothbrush to effectively tackle. To ensure that you have a happy, healthy mouth, it is always advisable to floss.
Another great tip is to make sure that you are using a soft-bristled toothbrush, as this is less abrasive on your gums while still offering exceptional tooth cleaning. With that said, let’s begin our ultimate guide to brushing your teeth!
Step One: Get Your Toothbrush Ready
First thing’s first – get your toothbrush ready by running it under some water and applying a thin dot of toothpaste. About a pea’s worth of toothpaste should do it. Fluoride-based toothpaste is an excellent choice as it will help protect your teeth from cavities.
Step Two: Start From the Back of Your Mouth
Working from your upper back molars, you will want to start brushing from one side of your mouth and move in a clockwise direction. Adjust the bristles so that they are angled around 45 degrees from your gum line, and brush with short, light, circular movements for no longer than 30 seconds.
Step Three: Work Away From the Gumline
Once you have brushed your molars, move the brush head away from your gum line and let the bristles clean the side surface of your tooth. This will remove stuck food and any built-up plaque deposits.
Step Four: Keep Moving in a Clockwise Direction
You will want to keep brushing in a clockwise direction and finish at the lower molars at the opposing side of your mouth. Repeat the second and third steps for the insides of your teeth and be sure to brush all areas of the tooth.
Step Five: Get Behind Your Upper Central Incisors
Brush the back parts of your upper front incisors and direct the bristles towards the gum line. You can try using a flicking motion to work the bristles down the tooth.
Don’t Forget the Lower Central Incisors!
Similar to before, move the bristles towards the gum line and try flicking the toothbrush up and away from the gumline.
Target the Top Surface of Your Teeth
Work on the top part of your teeth where you form a bite, with a focus on your upper and lower molars and premolars.
Brush Your Tongue and Inner Cheeks
For improved oral hygiene, it is a good idea to scrub your inner cheeks and tongue with your toothbrush. Just be gentle as these areas are quite sensitive.
Give Your Mouth a Rinse Out
Rinse your mouth out with water – not too hot or cold – to get rid of any excess toothpaste and spit.