Correct Brushing for Teeth

Proper dental care begins with brushing your teeth. Not only must you brush for long enough, but you should also follow the correct order for brushing your teeth in order to prevent cavities and gingivitis. It takes two minutes from start to finish to adequately brush your teeth. Be sure to pay attention to the gumline and especially the back teeth.

Order

• Part of following the correct brushing technique is to go in the proper order. It's recommended to begin with the outer surfaces of both the upper and lower front teeth. Next move to the inner part of the upper and lower front teeth. The next step is to brush all upper and lower chewing teeth, which are the molars. Finish up by brushing the tongue. This ensures fresh breath.

Front Teeth

• Always start by brushing the front teeth. To brush the outer surface, you must hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. It's also crucial to engage both the surface of the tooth and the gumline. The gumline needs just as much attention as the actual teeth in order to prevent gum disease. Brush them back and forth and in a rolling motion. To do the other side, tilt the brush behind them and brush up and down. Use the front half of the brush to do so.

Back Teeth

• Brushing the molars is crucial. Because you use them to bite and chew food, they are prone to cavities. Getting food out from between the molars is difficult. That's one reason why it's so important to floss the teeth. To get to the molars and surrounding gums, put the toothbrush against the surface of the molars and scrub gently back and forth.

Toothbrush

• Part of the correct brushing for teeth is using the very best toothbrush. For optimal results, a small-headed, soft-bristled toothbrush is ideal. Small toothbrushes can get into the nook and crannies of the mouth much more easily than larger ones. Soft bristles are best as they won't irritate the gums. Standard toothbrushes or mechanical ones are both acceptable.