Tooth Brushing

tooth guy mascot

Brushing your teeth is the foundation of proper oral care.  After all, parents start brushing their kids’ teeth when they are still babies and can’t do it for themselves and is something that should be done three times a day for optimal care.

At its most basic, brushing involves using some sort of mild abrasive and spreading it around inside your mouth in order to remove the dirt and grime that has accumulated throughout the day.  If that dirt and grime is not removed, it can lead to tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis, plaque, and other unpleasant problems ranging from bad breath to gnarly teeth.

Brushing is also one of the simplest things that you can do, but the way in which you do it varies by your age.  Here we have broken these steps down by general age group and life stage, and include tooth brushing tips, tricks, tools, and resources to help you achieve good oral hygiene on a regular basis.

Just like washing a car or your dishes, if you don’t brush your teeth the dirt and grim will stain and ruin the appearance of the car or plate, so it’s important to take a toothbrush with you wherever you go; whether you’re going on a trip or to work, it is really a good habit to keep a toothbrush and some tooth paste with you.

There are various types of toothbrushes.  You can generally break the toothbrush in to two general categories: manual and electric.  If you opt for an electric toothbrush it’s important to know how to use an electric toothbrush.  However, it’s also a good idea to carry a manual toothbrush with you or keep one in your office workplace somewhere handy.

The American Dental Association has even been stated that brushing your teeth is key to helping prevent oral infections and can even prevent oral HPV infection and certain types of oral cancer altogether!

So, get your favorite toothbrush and toothpaste, and start brushing regularly two to three times daily for 2-3 minutes at a time for a healthy smile!

General Guidelines for Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth is a fairly straightforward task, but keep these general guidelines in mind and you’ll be on your way to excellent oral health, good breath, white teeth, and a nice smile.

  1. Brush your teeth 2 to 3 times daily with a soft bristled toothbrush.
  2. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles start getting out of shape or discolored.
  3. Use toothpaste that has fluoride in it.

How to brush your teeth

  1. Apply toothpaste to the toothbrush.
  2. Run the toothbrush quickly under water to lubricate the toothpaste.
  3. Move the toothbrush gently from side to side, then up and down, throughout your mouth.  It is important to get every tooth so starting in the front, work your way to one side and then the other.  Make sure to get all angles of the tooth – the front and back, and the side of your back molars too!
  4. Gently brush the gums.
  5. After 2-3 minutes, rinse your mouth with water and clean the toothbrush with water.