Brushing Tips

Brush regularly for good oral health.

Brushing and flossing are important parts of your daily routine. But it's not enough to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day - you have to do it correctly.  Here's how:

Brushing technique

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
• Move the toothbrush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Use the "toe" of the toothbrush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Brushing tips

• Apply just enough pressure to feel the toothbrush bristles against the gums. If you are squashing the  bristles, you're brushing too hard.
• Replace your toothbrush at least every two to three months or as soon as the bristles are worn or bent. A worn-out toothbrush does not clean your teeth properly, and may actually injure your  gums. You should also replace your toothbrush after you've had a cold.
• Be sure you are reaching every tooth. The toothbrush can only clean one or two teeth at a time, so you should be moving the toothbrush around frequently.
• Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Avoid toothbrushes with hard bristles, which can damage your gums. Use a toothbrush with soft, end-rounded bristles.
• Ask your dentist to recommend the type of toothbrush that would work best for you.