How to Brush Your Teeth

How to Brush Your Teeth

The first step is to choose a good toothbrush. You always want to use a soft brush with a small head. A soft brush is hard enough to remove plaque, yet gentle enough not to damage your teeth or gums.

The next issue is to select good toothpaste. In general, any toothpaste that contains Fluoride will do the job, unless you have special needs that are determined by your dentist. Two of the best brands of toothpastes are Colgate Total and Crest Multicare.

The first rule of brushing is to start from a specific location and work your way to the opposite side, continuing all the way through the whole mouth so that you end where you started. This way you won’t miss any area. Usually a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is enough. An adequate brushing should at least take 2 minutes and preferably around 4 minutes.

There are a variety of techniques for brushing your teeth, but one of the most popular ones is described here:

Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle toward the teeth and gums. Gently press against the gums so the tips of the bristles go in between the gum and the teeth. Then apply a few lateral strokes and roll down the brush to sweep the plaque away from the teeth and the gum. Repeat this motion 6 to 10 times and move on to the next area of 2 to 3 teeth. If your mouth is full of foam, spit out and continue brushing. Your brushing is completed when you have brushed all the surfaces of your teeth, not when your mouth is full! On chewing surfaces, short strokes work best to get the plaque out of the grooves and pits. When brushing the back side of your front teeth, hold your brush vertically to be able to reach the teeth better.

As far as frequency of brushing is concerned, ideally you want to brush your teeth after each meal. But if you can’t, brush at least twice a day- after breakfast and before going to bed.

If you have any questions about brushing technique in or around Wilmington, give us a call today!

Back to Patient Education
Matthews Dental Associates - Dr. Dan Matthews DMD - Dr. Bruce Matthews DDS - Dr. Katie Matthews DDS - Invisalign Clear Braces - Hockessin and Wilmington Matthews Dental Associates - How to Brush Your Teeth

Request Appointment

Hockessin (302) 234-2440 | Wilmington (302) 475-9220
Request Appointment

Dr. Dan Matthews

Dr. Daniel Matthews

Dr. Daniel E. Matthews graduated from Georgetown University and received his DMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2005. He completed his General Practice Residency with Christiana Care Health System in June 2006. Dr. Matthews is currently a member of the American Dental Association, Delaware State Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Read More

Offering Comprehensive Dentistry

0
10 Dental Services

We specialize in a variety of services and take exceptional care of our patients’ needs.

0
2 Experienced Dentists

Our staff is qualified and trained to treat all your dental issues.

0
2 Locations

We have expanded our locations to serve more people desiring dental services.

Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Mary Katherine Matthews Specializes in Pediatric and Special Needs Dentistry for Children

Dr. Katie Matthews is a Board Certified pediatric dentist who is committed to helping parents and children establish a dental home by age one. Early education and routine preventive care promote healthy habits. Dr. Katie is happy to accommodate the special needs of each and every child.

Visit Site
Matthews Dental Associates - Dr. Dan Matthews DMD - Dr. Bruce Matthews DDS - Dr. Katie Matthews DDS - Pediatric Dentistry

Our Working Hours

  • Monday :8:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday :8:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday :8:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Thursday :8:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Friday :8:00 am – 4:30 pm (Wilmington 1:00 pm)

Request an Appointment