Brushing Your Teeth Correctly

Brushing your teeth is an important part of your dental care routine. For a healthy mouth and smile the ADA recommends you:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.

• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

• Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.

The proper brushing technique is to:

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.

• Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.

• Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.