Brushing your teeth might seem like a simple task. All you have to do is squeeze some toothpaste on a toothbrush and scrub it around – right? Not quite. Although that is part of it, everything from the bristles on your brush to the way you clean can affect your oral health.
In this blog, Dr. Elbrecht and Dr. Summerlin help walk you through how to brush your teeth the right way!
Is Brushing Your Teeth Necessary?
Brushing your teeth helps to fight off tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. But it isn’t just the brushing that’s important. It’s toothpaste! These two help to remove bacteria filled build-up on your teeth helping you maintain good oral hygiene.
The 8 Steps of Teeth Cleaning
Looking to make the most out of brushing your teeth? Follow these 8 steps!
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Floss first
Once you’ve flossed, it’ll be easier for the toothbrush to wipe away any loosened food particles it may have missed. If you aren’t a fan of loose floss, try buying the individual flossers!
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Apply the toothpaste
After getting your toothbrush wet, apply a pea-sized amount of an ADA approved toothpaste. Brand and flavor don’t matter as long as it has fluoride to help keep cavities away.
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Brush your way forwards
You’ll want to brush your molars first, slowly working your way forwards. You’ll want to make sure you hit all surfaces of your molars including the front, top, and back before moving on to your front teeth.
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Brush in circular motions
Position the brush at a 45 degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort.
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Push the plaque away
Before moving on to a different part of your mouth, roll your toothbrush away from your gums. This will help to sweep away any leftover plaque or food particles.
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Don’t forget to brush behind!
When you’re done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. And don’t forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue!
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Get your tongue and cheeks
Bacteria and food particles don’t just stick to your teeth. They also get stuck on the roof of your mouth, cheeks, and tongue. Be sure to gently brush these areas to help kick bad breath and germs to the curb!
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Rinse and repeat
After two minutes of brushing, wrap it up with a rinse to remove any loosened plaque! You can use plain water or opt for a mouthwash if you’re looking for a fresher feel.
The Best Way to Clean Your Teeth!
To ensure a flawless clean everytime, try flossing before you brush your teeth, using an ADA approved toothpaste, brushing in a circular motion from the back to the front, giving love to your tongue and cheeks, and getting in a good rinse once you’re done!