How should I brush my teeth?
It's easy to keep your teeth and gums healthy -- if you know the right way to brush your teeth. Unfortunately, many people don't. In this video, dentist and prosthodontist Jonathan Levine, DMD, reveals the keys.
Place the toothbrush at a slight angle toward the gums when brushing along the gumline.
Move the brush back and forth with short, gentle strokes. It doesn't take much pressure to remove the plaque from your teeth, and vigorous scrubbing could irritate your gums. Clean all the surfaces of the teeth:
- the outer surfaces
- the inner (tongue side) tooth surfaces
- the chewing surfaces
- and the inside of the front teeth
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day is important for keeping your mouth healthy. Listen as Dr. Maria Lopez Howell explains why proper oral hygiene can help you keep your smile forever.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you brush your teeth gently back and forth against the gumline at a 45-degree angle. All surfaces of the teeth should be targeted, front, back, and all chewing surfaces. You should only need to brush for two minutes, if you use the proper technique. To reach the inside of the front teeth, it may help to use the toe of your toothbrush in a gentle up and down motion. After brushing all teeth, brushing the tongue can help remove germs and improve your breath. It's also best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent premature wear of your teeth.
Second, conventional wisdom indicates that brushing for two minutes helps remove the most amount of plaque.
Other things to consider. Choose a brush head with soft bristles. Size matters. Many people choose a brush head that is too large; smaller is often better as it can more easily adapt around the tooth.
Manual or power? You can accomplish the same thing with either type. If you struggle with good plaque removal with a manual brush, then consider switching to a power brush. It will make the brushing motion for you, so all you need to do is get it in the proper place. Many have two minute timers so they can also help you brush longer.
To keep your teeth healthy and looking good, you need to brush with the right technique. In this video, dentist and Dr. Oz Show guest Jonathan B. Levine explains how the angle of the toothbrush makes a big difference.
- Brush at a 45-degree angle.
- Sweep the brush away from your gums.
- Brush small sections at a time, and rinse after each section.
- Apply gentle pressure with the brush.
- Brush the outside of your upper teeth first, then your lower teeth.
- Brush the inner surface of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth.
- Finish with your front teeth.
- Brush your tongue and inner cheeks.
- Rinse with water.
Continue Learning about Healthy Oral Hygiene
Healthy Oral Hygiene
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily constitute the basics of good oral hygiene. Keeping other parts of your mouth, such as your gums, healthy can benefit your overall health by preventing the spread of germs and dis...
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.