How to Brush Teeth Properly Step By Step

You brush your teeth every day, but are you doing it right? Teeth brushing is a crucial part of oral health, but many people make simple mistakes that can lead to bigger dental problems down the line. If you’re not brushing your teeth correctly you may be leaving behind plaque, increasing your risk for cavities, gum disease and bad breath. Brushing incorrectly can also lead to tooth decay which can cause big dental problems like tooth infections and tooth loss.

Why Proper Brushing Prevents Tooth Decay

Good brushing habits are your first line of defense against dental problems. Remember to gently brush your teeth to avoid damaging your gums and enamel. Proper brushing techniques keeps teeth healthy by removing plaque. By brushing your teeth correctly you can:

• Prevent cavities: Remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.
• Avoid gum disease: Proper brushing keeps your gums healthy and reduces risk of gingivitis.
• Get rid of bad breath: Bacteria buildup is the main cause of bad breath and brushing helps control it.

Your oral health affects your overall health. Studies show that poor oral hygiene is linked to serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections. That’s why using tools like BetterMouth to track and improve your brushing routine can make a big difference.

Why Brushing Your Teeth is Important

Brushing your teeth is a crucial part of your oral hygiene routine. It helps remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Regular brushing also helps prevent bad breath, gum recession, and tooth loss. By brushing your teeth properly, you can keep your teeth healthy and strong for years to come.

Using a soft bristled brush is essential. While hard bristled brushes may seem like they offer a more thorough clean, they can actually cause damage over time. Hard bristles can wear down enamel, irritate gums, and lead to sensitivity or gum recession. Soft bristles, on the other hand, are gentle enough to clean effectively without harming your teeth or gums, making them the better choice for daily brushing.

How Often to Brush?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed. Some people brush after every meal but if that’s not possible, rinsing with water after meals can help reduce bacteria buildup.

Using an app, like BetterMouth, makes it easy to maintain your twice-daily brushing routine. With customizable reminders, it ensures you never miss a session and helps you build lasting habits.

How to Brush Teeth Properly

Step 1: Choose the Right Toothbrush and Fluoride Toothpaste

Select a soft bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. The toothbrush bristles should reach the gum line at a 45-degree angle to effectively clean. To clean the inner surfaces of your front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and use several up-and-down strokes. Soft bristles are gentle on your gums and prevent enamel erosion. Pair your brush with a cavity-prevention toothpaste containing fluoride, which strengthens enamel and fights cavities.

Step 2: Brush for 2 Minutes

You should brush for a full 2 minutes each time, but unfortunately, most people fall short. The BetterMouth app features a built-in visual timer that guides you through the entire 2 minutes, ensuring you brush each area of your mouth properly.

Step 3: Proper Brushing Technique

Here’s how to brush your teeth:

• Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line.
• Use gentle circular motions, not back and forth, to gently brush your teeth.
• Focus on brushing your front teeth with 45-degree angle and circular motions.
• Brush the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of all your teeth.
• Pay attention to the inside surfaces of your teeth.

This will remove plaque without damaging your gums or enamel.

Step 4: Don’t Forget to Brush Your Tongue

Brushing your tongue is key to reducing the bacteria that cause bad breath. Brush from back to front to remove bacteria and freshen your breath. For an even more effective clean, consider using a tongue scraper.

Step 5: Rinse and Check

After brushing, rinse your mouth with water or an anti-cavity mouthwash. Use this time to check for any missed areas or spots that need more attention.

Special Considerations

Brushing with Braces

If you have braces, it’s essential to brush your teeth carefully to avoid damaging the brackets and wires. Here are some tips for brushing with braces:

• Use a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush your teeth gently, paying special attention to the areas around the brackets and wires.
• Use a gentle circular motion to clean the front, back, and top surfaces of your teeth.
• Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day.
• Use a fluoride mouthwash to help prevent tooth decay and strengthen your tooth enamel.
• Avoid using a manual toothbrush with hard bristles, as it can damage the brackets and wires.

Consider using an electric toothbrush with a soft-bristled head, as it can be more effective at cleaning around brackets and wires. Electric toothbrushes reduce the risk of incorrect brushing by allowing you to simply guide them from tooth to tooth while they do the work.

By following these tips, you can keep your teeth healthy and clean while wearing braces. Remember to always brush your teeth gently and carefully to avoid damaging the brackets and wires.

Common Brushing Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes while brushing. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using too much pressure: Pressing too hard will wear down your enamel and irritate your gums. Always gently brush to avoid these issues.
• Brushing too fast: Not brushing for the full 2 minutes means you’re leaving plaque behind.
• Skipping the gum line: Plaque loves to hide along the gum line so make sure you’re giving it extra attention.
• Aggressive brushing: Using a hard bristled toothbrush or brushing too hard will lead to enamel loss. Protect your tooth enamel by using a soft bristled toothbrush and gentle strokes.

BetterMouth tracks your brushing habits and consistency, providing feedback on your routine.

Manual or Electric Toothbrush

Should you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush? Both can be effective when used properly; however, electric toothbrushes often come with timers and may be better for some people, as they do the work for you and reduce the risk of improper brushing technique. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, look for toothbrushes labeled for sensitivity.

Replace Your Toothbrush

The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush (or toothbrush head) every 3 months or after you’ve been sick—whichever comes first. If the bristles become frayed or worn down before the 3 months are up, it’s also time for a replacement. Old, worn bristles won’t clean your teeth effectively and can harbor bacteria.

Flossing and Rinsing: The Brushing Companions

Flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to good oral hygiene. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.

Mouthwash can help reduce bad breath and prevent cavities. Choose an antiseptic mouthwash to combat bad breath and an anti-cavity mouthwash for cavity prevention.

How to Teach Children to Brush Properly

Teaching kids to brush their teeth can be tough, but there are ways to make it fun:

• Use songs or timers to help them brush for the full 2 minutes.
• Download the BetterMouth app, which has visual features to make brushing exciting for kids.
• Start early! Teaching children to brush their baby teeth is crucial for developing lifelong good habits.

BetterMouth Develops Brushing Habits

The BetterMouth app makes brushing easier and more effective. Here’s how:

• The 2-minute visual timer ensures you brush for the right amount of time every time.
• BetterMouth’s streak feature will motivate you to be consistent by rewarding you for consecutive days of brushing.
• You can track your brushing, flossing and other oral hygiene habits in the app’s analytics section to see your progress over time.

With BetterMouth you can develop better brushing habits, track your progress, and see how your oral health improves over time.

Brush to Better Oral Health

Brushing your teeth properly is key to good oral hygiene and long term dental health. Follow the steps in this guide and use the BetterMouth app to stay on track and develop healthy brushing habits that will last a lifetime.

BetterMouth helps you stick to your routine, ensuring you brush for the right amount of time while monitoring your progress. This simple daily habit can save you time and money at the dentist, preventing serious dental issues down the line. So why wait?