7 Step By Step Guide To Brush Your Teeth Correctly

Maintaining a regular brushing routine is essential for good oral hygiene. It helps prevent issues such as tooth decay, bad breath, and gingivitis. Additionally, flossing before brushing is crucial as it removes debris from the small spaces between teeth.

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush not only cleans your teeth but also stimulates the gums, promoting their health and preventing bleeding.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste for optimal oral care.

Steps for Proper Brushing

# Select the Right Toothpaste

Wet your toothbrush and apply a thin layer of fluoride toothpaste. Always opt for a toothpaste containing fluoride, as it helps protect against cavities and prevents tooth decay.

# Brush at a 45-Degree Angle Along the Gum Line

Keep your teeth together and position your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Use short, circular motions rather than brushing horizontally. Continue this for 2 to 3 minutes.

# Clean Your Upper Molars

Begin brushing the upper molars on one side of your mouth and move in a clockwise direction. Use an in-and-out motion, working from the back of the mouth toward the front. Repeat on the other side.

# Brush Your Lower Molars

Follow the same clockwise pattern for your lower molars, brushing one side for 2 to 3 minutes before switching to the other side.

# Clean the Inside of Your Teeth

Open your mouth wide and use the tip of your toothbrush to clean the inner surfaces of both your upper and lower front teeth at a vertical angle. This is a commonly overlooked area.

# Brush Your Tongue and Inner Cheeks

Plaque, food particles, and bacteria can accumulate on your tongue and inside your cheeks, leading to bad breath. Gently brush these areas using circular motions, along with the roof of your mouth.

# Rinse Your Mouth and Toothbrush

Take a sip of water, swish it around your mouth, and spit it out. Rinse your toothbrush under running water to remove any remaining bacteria.