Brushing your teeth at home the right way

Brushing our teeth is something we’ve been doing for years. Many of us take for granted that we’re doing it correctly – but how can we be sure?

Must-follow rules when brushing

If you’re following these steps twice a day, you’re probably doing a good job:

• Brushing for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled brush. Hard bristles damage the enamel and don’t remove plaque anymore effectively than soft-bristled brushes.
• Using a fluoride toothpaste.
• Replacing the toothbrush as soon as the bristles fade but never holding onto it for longer than 3 months.
• Waiting for at least 15 minutes after eating before brushing.
• Brushing along the gumline, the tongue-side and chewing-side of your teeth.

 

How to brush your teeth with a manual toothbrush

Make sure your toothbrush has soft bristles, is comfortable to hold and fits easily in your mouth. This technique is not suitable if you have receding gums, so please message us if you’re unsure about how to care for your receding gums.

• Any toothbrushing regimen is incomplete without flossing your teeth first.
• Wet your toothbrush and apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Place your toothbrush on the gumline, tilted at a 45-degree angle.
• Brush along the gumline in soft, circular motions, being careful not to apply too much pressure. Then, brush in a sweeping motion from the gumline towards the chewing surface.
• Do not “scrub” your teeth and gums, instead, use a massaging or vibrating pressure.
• Make sure to do this on the front-side and tongue-side of all your teeth.
• After this, brush the chewing surface of your teeth, paying special attention to the molars.
• To brush behind your front teeth, turn your brush from upright so it’s no longer on its side. Place your brush head behind your teeth and sweep towards the chewing surface.
• Spend a few seconds brushing your tongue.

 

How to brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush

Using an electric toothbrush isn’t more effective than their manual counterparts, but they are easier to use.

• The first step to brushing your teeth is flossing.
• Before you switch on your toothbrush, wet the brush head and apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Place the toothbrush on your teeth and switch it on.
• Move the brush slowly from tooth to tooth along the gumline, being careful not to apply too much pressure.
• Be sure to brush every surface of the tooth – the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Don’t forget to brush between your teeth and your gums too.
• Spend at least 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth, and don’t forget to brush your tongue too.