What is the proper way to brush your teeth?

Question

Everyone says different things! I just want a good, proper answer!!

Gav, I would normally do that now (the dentist moaned at me for not doing the back of my teeth as well lol) and my teeth feel sooo clean! Yet my boyfriend says that he was told to be a bit careful. He had receding gums. He also said an electric toothbrush was the best way to clean them. My mate a few years ago told me that you have to spend at least 5 mins brushing them as well - with no water. See, it's all confusing!! lol

Answer 1

I just visited my dental hygenist a few weeks ago and asked her the very same question! She said to always try to brush in circular motions and slightly angle the brush head toward the gumline as you brush. Do the outsides this way. For the insides, if its difficult to go circular, lightly do up and down movements instead. Also remember to lightly and gently brush your gums, your tongue and the roof of your mouth. And whatever you do, don't brush your teeth heavily as it will remove enamel in the long term. She said to me to always use a soft head toothbrush. Hard heads are damaging are never recommended. She also said something interesting and thats not to rinse too much as some toothpaste left is good as it keep protecting afterwards! But I can't bear that feeling. I shared a house with a dental student years ago and remember her saying to brush at least 2 mins and use floss. I have not had a filling since then. Electric toothbrushes are supposed to be great, but too expensive!

Answer 2

It comes right down to the specialist's opinion. i could propose by teeth, yet pointing the bristles of the toothbrush into the gums so it receives in there as well. Be very smooth and make the effort, it is going to take about 2 minutes and also you should purely be going for the length of two-3 teeth at a time, no longer scrubbing the total aspect. if you're smooth, you received't create the grooves or sensitivity that the dental nurse is talking about below!

Answer 3

Same question I had asked with the Dental Surgeon and he said " First of all believe there is no need to use too much paste, then remember use a toothbrush which you can hold firmly. Use soft hair brush.

Now how to brush, he said, just think you have to clean your teeth by the brush and the main area is between teeth where teeths are joint together, then behind and front. Hold a brush then grip hair in between teeths then gently push upward one by one. This will clean cavity or you can say dirty things held up around teeths. Then use brush gently behind teeths.
The best way is to clean teeth one by one . Brush teeth upward or downward which suits you.

I hope this will help you.
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Answer 4

Get the toothbrush right down into the gaps between the teeth and gums - this is where plaque builds up.
Do the upper and lower, front and back parts - scrub hard, don't worry if you get a bit of blood.
Plaque and tartar are formed due to contact with saliva, and saliva collects under the tongue, so be especially careful to scrub the lower teeth at the back.
Then just brush the rest normally.

Answer 5

No one has mentioned how often to brush a day. I've read twice a day or three times, or even after every meal.
From my own experience I just rub my tongue over my teeth to see if it feels rough.

Answer 6

you should brush up and down rather than side to side cause the dirt wont get stuck on your gums and will clean easier and only use a pea size drop of toohpaste.

Answer 7

I have posted a link for you.
Me personally I brush up down and then left to right, but my sisters a dental hygienist so if I don't do it right she gets on my case!
Oh yeah, don't forget you are supposed to brush your gums as well.

Answer 8

i go round in little circles, like how the electronic ones work...
starting in the front then working my way to the sides...
then the brush the top and bottom part...
then the very back of my teeth...
this is how i do it, dunno if it's the PROPER way though..but the dentist has complimented on me having clean teeth =P

Answer 9

With a toothbrush

Answer 10

Did you know that the toothbrush was invented in Arkansas? Seriously. If it had been invented anywhere else it would have been called the "teethbrush!"