The following BRUSHING TECHNIQUE is commonly recommended by dentists as a preventive cosmetic dentistry technique. You should see your dentist to ensure that you are using a technique that meets your needs.

Use a soft bristled brush (synthetic bristles preferably because natural bristles tend to harbour the oral bacteria as the bristles are more porous). Be sure it is the right size (generally smaller is better than larger).

Place the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the teeth. Slide the tips of the brush under the gums.

Jiggle the bristles very gently so that any plaque growing under the gum will be removed.

Be sure to brush the outside, the tongue side and the chewing surfaces of your teeth.

For the front teeth, brush the inside surfaces of the upper and lower jaws by tilting the brush vertically and making several up and down strokes 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. Your toothbrush will only clean one or two teeth at a time. Change its position to properly clean each tooth. To prevent plaque damage, be sure to brush at least once every day, preferably at bedtime. Adding a brush time after breakfast increases your chances of thorough daily plaque removal. Don’t rush your brush. A thorough brushing should take at least 3 minutes. Brushing the teeth too vigorously or using a hard bristled toothbrush 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 all you need, should you choose to use a toothpaste. Replace your brush when the bristles begin to spread. A worn out toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth.

How Do I Choose And Use A Toothbrush?

Angled heads, raised bristles, oscillating tufts and handles that change colors with use: you name it, toothbrushes come in all shapes, colors and sizes, promising to perform better than the rest. But no body of scientific evidence exists yet to show that any one type of toothbrush design is better at removing plaque than another. The only thing that matters is that you brush your teeth. Many just don't brush long enough. Most people brush less than a minute, but to effectively reach all areas and scrub off cavity-causing bacteria, it is recommended to brush for two to three minutes.

Which toothbrush is best?

In general, a toothbrush head should be small (1" by 1/2") for easy access to all areas of the mouth, teeth and gums. It should have a long, wide handle for a firm grasp. It should have soft nylon bristles with rounded ends so you won't hurt your gums.

When should I change my toothbrush?

Be sure to change your toothbrush, or toothbrush head (if you're using an electric toothbrush) before the bristles become splayed and frayed. Not only are old toothbrushes ineffective, but they may harbor harmful bacteria that can cause infection such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Toothbrushes should be changed every three to four months. Sick people should change their toothbrush at the beginning of an illness and after they feel better.

Is it important to brush before going to bed?

Yes. If you have to miss a brushing, the bedtime one is probably the worst one to miss. If you don't get rid of the bacteria and sugar that cause cavities, they have all night to do harm. While you are awake, saliva helps keep the mouth clean. When you are asleep, there is less saliva produced to clean the mouth. For this reason it is important to brush before bedtime.

How do I brush my child's teeth?

Every day plaque forms on the inner, outer, and chewing surface of teeth and the gums. Tooth brushing is one of the most effective ways to remove the plaque. The best kind of toothbrush to use is one with soft, round-tipped bristles. A child will need a smaller brush than an adult. Young children do not have the manual dexterity to brush properly. Your child will need your supervision and help brushing until he or she is 8-10 years old to ensure a thorough brushing has been done. When the bristles become bent or frayed, a new brush is needed. Tooth brushing will remove dental plaque and other debris from your teeth. Plaque plays a primary role in oral disease such as tooth decay and gum disease. The best way to remove plaque from the tooth surface on a daily home care basis is through toothbrushing and some form of "between the teeth" cleaning.

Is your toothbrush making you sick?

Next time you load up on cough medicine and sinus pills, preparing for the onslaught of another cold, add a new toothbrush to your shopping list. Germs left on your toothbrush can cause recurring colds and sore throats. To avoid catching the same cold over and over again, change toothbrushes at the first sign of a cold and change again when you regain your health. Germs thrive in dense toothbrushes, especially those with soft bristles, and not surprisingly, they also linger on toothbrush handles. Viruses can survive for several days on a handle that's opaque or tinted, whereas a clear handle kills them faster with its ability to let light pass through.