Prevention: keeping teeth healthy
How to Brush
What Is the Right Way to
Brush?
Proper brushing takes at
least two minutes — that's right, 120 seconds! Most adults do not come close to brushing that long. To get a feel for the time involved, try using a stopwatch. To properly brush your teeth, use
short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to the gumline, hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration. Concentrate on
thoroughly cleaning each
section as follows:
- Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
- Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
- Clean the chewing surfaces
- For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue, too
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against the gumline and sweep or roll the brush away from the gumline. |
Gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth using short back-and-forth strokes. |
Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath. |
What Type of
Toothbrush Should I Use?
Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are also preferable, since they can better reach all areas
of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth. For many, a powered toothbrush is a good alternative. It can do a better job of cleaning teeth, particularly for those who have difficulty brushing
or who have limited manual dexterity. To find the right toothbrush for you, You should replace your toothbrush when it begins to show wear, or every three months, whichever comes
first. It is also very important to change toothbrushes after you've had a cold, since the bristles can collect germs that can lead to reinfection.