How to Brush Your Teeth Properly - Advice from a Dental Professional

Brushing your teeth may seem like a simple task, but doing it correctly is essential for maintaining good oral health. Improper brushing can lead to plaque build-up, cavities, gum disease, and tooth enamel damage. To ensure you’re brushing your teeth in the best way possible, here’s expert advice from a dental professional on how to brush your teeth properly.

1. Position Your Toothbrush Correctly

The first step to brushing your teeth properly is positioning your toothbrush. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums. This angle allows the bristles to clean along the gum line, where plaque tends to accumulate the most. Placing your toothbrush directly against your teeth may miss this crucial area, so maintaining this slight angle is essential for effective cleaning.

2. Brush Gently, Not Hard

One of the most common mistakes people make while brushing is applying too much pressure. It’s important to brush gently to avoid damaging your gums and tooth enamel. Pressing too hard can wear down the enamel over time and cause your gums to recede, leading to sensitivity and other oral issues.

Instead of using excessive force, rely on short, gentle back-and-forth strokes to clean your teeth. Let the bristles do the work for you, not your strength. The key to effective brushing is consistency and technique, not force.

3. Brush All Surfaces of Your Teeth

To clean your teeth thoroughly, you need to brush all surfaces: the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Many people tend to focus only on the visible areas, but it's essential to clean the back of your teeth, where plaque and food particles can also accumulate.

When brushing the outer surfaces of your teeth, use short strokes. For the inner surfaces, tilt your toothbrush slightly and continue using short, gentle strokes. Don’t forget the chewing surfaces of your teeth, as these areas can trap food and plaque as well.

4. Clean the Inside of Your Front Teeth

Brushing the inside of your front teeth can be challenging, especially since they’re hard to reach with a regular brushing angle. To clean these areas properly, tilt your toothbrush vertically and make up-and-down strokes. This technique helps to reach the narrow surfaces of your front teeth, ensuring that plaque and food debris are removed from all angles.

5. Don’t Forget the Roof of Your Mouth, Cheeks, and Tongue

Your oral hygiene routine should also extend beyond your teeth. Gently brush the roof of your mouth, the insides of your cheeks, and your tongue. The roof of your mouth and your cheeks can harbor bacteria, while your tongue is a breeding ground for germs that can cause bad breath.

Using the back of your toothbrush, gently scrub these areas to help reduce bacteria and improve your overall mouth cleanliness. Brushing your tongue also aids in freshening your breath by removing odor-causing bacteria.

6. Brush for at Least Two Minutes

Brushing your teeth at the right time is very important. Dr. Kiai, a professional dentist in Encino, suggests brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day. This gives you enough time to clean all parts of your mouth, from the back teeth to the front. Using a timer or a toothbrush with a built-in timer can help you brush for the full two minutes. Many people rush and miss spots, allowing plaque to build up, so it’s essential to take your time and brush carefully.

7. Rinse Your Toothbrush

After brushing, always rinse your toothbrush under running water for a few seconds to remove any leftover toothpaste, plaque, or bacteria. This helps keep your toothbrush clean and ready for the next use.

Once rinsed, allow your toothbrush to air dry by standing it upright in a holder. This helps prevent bacteria from growing on your toothbrush, keeping it hygienic for the next time you brush.

8. Avoid Brushing After Eating or Drinking Something Acidic

While it may seem like a good idea to brush immediately after eating or drinking, especially after consuming something sugary or acidic, it's best to wait. Brushing too soon after consuming acidic foods or drinks (like citrus fruits, soda, or coffee) can damage your enamel.

Acids temporarily soften tooth enamel and brushing right after can wear it away. Instead, wait for at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking acidic foods to allow your enamel to re-harden before brushing. You can rinse your mouth with water in the meantime to help neutralize the acids and freshen your breath.

Brushing your teeth properly is one of the most important habits you can develop for maintaining good oral health. By positioning your toothbrush at the right angle, brushing gently, and ensuring you clean all surfaces of your teeth, you’ll significantly improve your oral hygiene. Remember to brush for at least two minutes, rinse your toothbrush properly, and avoid brushing immediately after eating acidic foods.

By following these tips, you’ll keep your teeth clean, your gums healthy, and your smile bright for years to come. Make proper brushing a part of your daily routine, and don’t forget to complement it with regular dental visits for optimal oral health.