- Use a soft-bristled brush, preferably one with rounded, synthetic bristles. Look for the American Dental Association® seal of approval. Replace your toothbrush approximately every two to three months or as soon as the bristles are worn or bent. A worn-out toothbrush does not clean your teeth properly and may actually injure your gums. You should also replace your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold.
- Be sure your brush is the right size (in general, smaller is better than larger).
- Place the bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, and slide the tips of the brush under the gums.
- Gently jiggle the bristles or move the brush in small circles over the tooth and gums.
- Brush the outside, the inside, and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. For chewing surfaces, use a light back-and-forth motion.
- For the front teeth, brush the inside surfaces of the upper and lower jaws. Tilt your brush vertically and make several strokes up and down with the front part of the brush over the teeth and gum tissues.
- Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath. Debris and bacteria can collect on your tongue and cause bad breath.
- Since your toothbrush will only clean one or two teeth at a time, change its position to clean each tooth properly.
- Brush at least once every day, preferably at bedtime. Adding a brush time after breakfast increases your chances of thorough daily plaque removal.
- Take your time: a thorough brushing should take at least 3 minutes.
- Don’t brush your teeth too vigorously, and don’t use a hard-bristled toothbrush, since it causes the gums to recede and exposes root surfaces. It also wears down the tooth structure. Both of these conditions can lead to tooth sensitivity.
- A pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste is sufficient.
- Replace your brush when the bristles begin to spread, as a worn-out toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth.
