How to Brush Teeth After Waking Up

From a young age, you were likely taught the importance of brushing your teeth upon waking. Brushing your teeth upon waking as well as before bed removes plaque from your teeth and gums. If allowed to accumulate, plaque can cause gum disease and lead to tooth loss. While you may know the basics of tooth brushing you may not be familiar with details such as when to brush and how to brush. Knowing this information will help ensure you receive the greatest benefit from brushing your teeth upon waking.

Things You'll Need

• Soft, round bristle toothbrush
• Toothpaste

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Instructions

• 1

  Squeeze a dab of toothpaste onto the toothbrush. Place the head of the toothbrush under running water to wet the brush and toothpaste.

• 2

  Hold the toothbrush sideways and place the bristles of the brush against the outside of the tooth and gum. Slightly tilt the brush so that the bristles point towards your gum line.

• 3

  Using short, light strokes move the toothbrush back and forth against the tooth and gum. Make tiny circular motions with the brush to gently work the bristles under the gum. Roll the bristles of the toothbrush away from the gum towards the top of the tooth to remove the plaque from under the gum line.

• 4

  Move the toothbrush to the inside of the tooth. Use the same back and forth, circular and rolling motions to brush the inside of the tooth.

• 5

  Move the toothbrush to the biting surface of the tooth. Hold the brush so that tips of the bristles lay against the biting surface. Use gentle, back and forth or circular strokes to clean the surface.

• 6

  Repeat the entire process for each tooth. Brush approximately 20 strokes per tooth surface. Rinse your mouth with water once you have brushed all of your teeth.

• 7

  Use the toothbrush to gently brush the top of your tongue. Brush in a back to front motion; however, avoid going so far back as to cause you to gag. Rinse your mouth again.