How To Brush Your Teeth, Madison Dental Studio

How to brush your teeth

Step 1
Brush at a 45 degree angle to your teeth. Direct the bristles to where your gums and teeth meet. Use a gentle, circular, massaging motion, up and down. Don’t scrub. Gums that recede visibly are often a result of years of brushing too hard.

Brush at a 45 degree angle to your teeth. Direct the bristles to where your gums and teeth meet. Use a gentle, circular, massaging motion, up and down. Don't scrub. Gums that recede visibly are often a result of years of brushing too hard

Step 2
Clean every surface of every tooth. The chewing surface, the cheek side, and the tongue side.

Step 3
Don’t rush your brush. A thorough brushing should take at least two to three minutes. Try timing yourself.

Don't rush your brush. A thorough brushing should take at least two to three minutes. Try timing yourself

Step 4
Change your usual brushing pattern. Most people brush their teeth the same way all the time. That means they miss the same spots all the time. Try reversing your usual pattern.

Change your usual brushing pattern. Most people brush their teeth the same way all the time. That means they miss the same spots all the time. Try reversing your usual pattern

Step 5
Use a soft brush with rounded bristles. The right toothbrush cleans better. Choose a size and shape that allow you to reach all the way to your back teeth. There are many different types of brushes, so ask your dentist to suggest the best one for you. CDA recommends you replace your toothbrush every three months.

Electric vs. manual toothbrush

Brushing your teeth is the foundation of good oral care and prevention. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at removing oral plaque that causes decay and disease.

Electric and manual toothbrushes each have their own benefits. The ADA puts a Seal of Acceptance on any toothbrush, electric or manual, that’s proven safe and effective. Read more about the pros and cons and which one might be best for you.

When to replace your toothbrush

All toothbrushes need to be replaced every three to four months according to the ADA. Replace your toothbrush sooner if it looks frayed or if you used it when you were sick. With a manual toothbrush, the whole thing needs to be replaced. With an electric toothbrush, you may only need to replace the removable head.

For toddlers and young children

The best toothbrush for your child is whatever one they are mostly likely to use. Experts recommend soft bristles and a child-sized toothbrush head for kids. Neither a manual nor electric toothbrush is necessarily better for young children. The same pros and cons of each kind still apply.

Toddlers and kids can safely use an electric toothbrush on their own. Though, it’s recommended that you supervise your children while brushing their teeth to make sure they spit out their toothpaste and don’t swallow it.

Tip:

For toddlers, you may want to do a second brushing after your child to make sure they got all areas of their mouth.

What should I look for in a toothbrush?

For most adults, a toothbrush with a small head and a compact, angled arrangement of long and short round-end bristles is fine. Medium or soft bristles are best for most people.

If you’re using an electric brush, one with an oscillating or rotating head may work better than a manual toothbrush.

But making sure you thoroughly clean your teeth at least twice a day is more important than the type of brush you use. If in doubt, ask your dentist.

Don’t rinse with water straight after toothbrushing

After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste.

Don’t rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it’ll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste.

Rinsing dilutes it and reduces its preventative effects.

How to brush your teeth after wisdom tooth removal

After wisdom teeth removal, gently brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding the extraction site for the first few days, and rinse with warm salt water after meals.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Timing:

You can usually resume brushing the day after the surgery, but be extra gentle.
Brushing Technique:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Brush gently in slow, circular motions.

Avoid brushing directly on the extraction site for the first few days.

Focus on cleaning the surrounding teeth.

Rinsing:

Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (1/2 tsp salt in a cup of warm water) after meals.

Don’t rinse vigorously, as this could dislodge the blood clot.

Toothpaste:

Avoid using toothpaste for the first 48 hours, as it can be abrasive.

When you reintroduce toothpaste, choose a mild, non-abrasive option.

Spitting:

Avoid spitting forcefully, as this can dislodge the blood clot.

Instead, allow the toothpaste or rinse to gently drain out of your mouth.

Other Tips:

Follow your dentist’s specific instructions.

If you have stitches, be extra careful around the extraction site.

Keep the area clean to prevent infection.

Consider using a prescription mouthwash as directed by your dentist.