How to Brush Teeth Properly: 9 Steps & When to See a Dentist

How to brush your teeth properly involves using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, cleaning your tongue, and flossing at least once a day. These habits help remove food debris and keep the mouth clean.

It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day, including before bed. Regular brushing can help prevent bad breath, cavities, and plaque buildup.

Proper brushing is also important for reducing the risk of oral health problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis. These conditions can cause bad breath, pain, and difficulty eating.

Proper brushing technique

To maintain good oral health, it is important to brush your teeth thoroughly every day by following these steps:

1. Floss or use dental tape at least once a day to remove food and plaque from between the teeth and along the gumline.

2. Apply fluoride toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush.

3. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline and use gentle, short back-and-forth strokes to clean the outer surfaces of the teeth.

4. Brush the inside surfaces of the teeth, tilting the toothbrush vertically when cleaning the inside surfaces of the front teeth and using gentle up-and-down strokes.

5. Avoid pressing too hard while brushing, as this can irritate the gums and wear out the toothbrush bristles.

6. Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth using gentle back-and-forth motions.

7. Clean your tongue with the toothbrush, brushing from the back toward the tip, or use a tongue scraper.

8. Spit out excess toothpaste after brushing.

9. Brush for about two minutes to make sure all tooth surfaces are cleaned thoroughly.

After brushing, mouthwash may also be used if recommended. However, mouthwash is an additional oral care product and does not replace brushing or cleaning between the teeth.

When to brush

It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day, including once before bed.

Brushing after meals can also help keep the teeth and gums healthy and reduce the risk of cavities.

However, after consuming acidic foods or drinks, such as citrus fruits, vinegar, or soda, it is best to wait about an hour before brushing because the enamel may be temporarily softened. In the meantime, rinsing the mouth with water can help remove food and acids.

Brushing with braces

To brush your teeth with braces, first rinse your mouth with water to help remove food debris. Then use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush around the brackets and along the gumline, holding the toothbrush at about a 45-degree angle.

Brush above and below the brackets, then clean the inside and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Finish by brushing your tongue.

An interdental brush can be used to clean around brackets and wires and reach areas that are difficult to access with a regular toothbrush. Its small, narrow bristled head can be especially useful for people with braces, bridges, or other dental appliances.

Choosing a toothpaste

It is recommended to choose a fluoride toothpaste. Most over-the-counter fluoride toothpastes in the US contain approximately 1,000 to 1,500 ppm of fluoride, which helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.

Adults should use enough fluoride toothpaste to brush all tooth surfaces. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children younger than 3 should use a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice, while children ages 3 to 6 should use no more than a pea-sized amount.

Cleaning your toothbrush

To keep your toothbrush clean, store it upright in a dry, well-ventilated area and allow it to air-dry between uses.

After each use, rinse the toothbrush thoroughly with water to remove toothpaste and food debris.

Toothbrushes should not be shared with other people, as sharing can transfer microorganisms between users.

According to the American Dental Association, toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles become matted or frayed.

When to see a dentist

You should see a dentist if you experience:

• Mouth sores or other oral lesions
• Persistent bad breath
• Swelling or pain in the teeth or gums
• Bleeding gums
• Spots or discoloration on the teeth that do not go away with brushing
• Tooth or gum sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
• Pain when biting or chewing

Adults should also have regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. The appropriate interval between visits depends on oral health, cavity risk, gum health, medical history, and the dentist’s recommendations.

Babies should have their first dental visit when the first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday.

Test your knowledge

To assess your knowledge of how to brush your teeth properly and maintain good oral health, take this quick online test:

{ORAL_HEALTH_EDUCATIONAL_TEST}

Use your results to identify any habits you may need to improve and help keep your teeth and gums healthy.