{"id":8657,"date":"2019-09-20T04:45:12","date_gmt":"2019-09-20T03:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/?page_id=8657"},"modified":"2025-11-21T11:18:02","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T10:18:02","slug":"brushing-teeth-properly","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/oral-hygiene\/brushing-teeth-properly\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Brush Your Teeth Properly: Instructions for Best Oral Hygiene"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Are you wondering <strong>how to properly brush your teeth<\/strong>? Brushing our teeth is something most of us have done for as long as we can remember, but often without much thought as to the correct way to do it.<\/p> <p>Well, it\u2019s great that you\u2019re giving it some thought now! Keeping your teeth clean is a very important part of maintaining good overall oral health.<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-86628658 size-medium\"> <figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-86628658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/08\/how-to-brush-teeth-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"how many times should you brush your teeth\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Do you know how to properly brush your teeth?<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div> <p>This detailed guide has all you need to know about how to clean your teeth. We answer some common questions including:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>How long to brush teeth<\/li> <li>How often should you brush your teeth and at what times of day<\/li> <li>Whether to floss before or after brushing teeth<\/li> <li>Whether to rinse after brushing<\/li> <li>How to choose the best products for your oral hygiene routine<\/li> <li>Tooth brushing mistakes to avoid<\/li> <\/ul> <p>You might be surprised to find that you didn\u2019t know how to brush teeth quite right all these years, but we hope this guide helps you learn how to clean your teeth at home, so you can always feel that after-the-dentist clean.<\/p> <h2 id=\"common-questions-about-how-to-properly-brush-teeth\" \"common-questions-about-how-to-properly-brush-teeth\"class =\"wp-block-heading\">Common questions about how to properly brush teeth<\/h2> <p>Did you know that just 53% of people worldwide brush their teeth twice a day? If that sounds like you, you\u2019re in the right place.<\/p> <p>We\u2019re going to begin with some specific questions that people often have about the <strong>correct way to brush teeth<\/strong>. Then, you\u2019ll find detailed step-by-step instructions on how to brush your teeth, followed by some more tips for keeping your teeth and mouth healthy.<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image size-medium wp-image-86628660\"> <figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9040\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/08\/dentist-teeth-brushing-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"best way to brush teeth\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Your dentist can advise you of the best way to brush teeth<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div> <p>Please note that this guide focuses mainly on teeth brushing for adults. Although much of this information also applies to children, we recommend you read our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/childrens-oral-health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">children\u2019s oral health<\/a> if you want to check how to brush your child\u2019s teeth.<\/p> <p>Also note that your dentist may give you slightly different advice according to your own oral health. Of course, you should always follow what your dentist recommends.<\/p> <p>Ok, so let\u2019s take a look at some FAQs about brushing teeth.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How often should you brush your teeth?<\/h3> <p>You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Some people like to brush three times a day, or even more. While it is possible to over-brush your teeth, this is more likely to result from a bad technique than brushing too often.<\/p> <p>One thing\u2019s for sure: Brushing teeth just once a day is not enough to keep them clean. Despite this, 30% of Americans admit to only brushing once a day, according to the Delta Dental Oral Health and Well-Being Survey.\u00a0Once-a-day brushing gives the bacteria too long to eat away at the surface of your teeth, meaning an increased likelihood of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/tooth-decay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">cavities<\/a>.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should you brush your teeth?<\/h3> <p>Brush your teeth before going to bed, and at least one other time during the day. For most people, this will be in the morning. It\u2019s fine to brush more often than this. Provided you know how to brush your teeth correctly.<\/p> <p>It\u2019s important to have clean teeth before bedtime because while you\u2019re asleep, there is less saliva in your mouth to fight any bacteria that remain. However, 70% of people who only brush once a day say they do so in the morning, rather than the evening.<\/p> <p>You might be surprised to hear that the best time to brush your teeth is not immediately after eating \u2013 especially if you\u2019ve had very acidic or sugary food or drink. This is because sugar and acid weaken tooth enamel, and you may damage your teeth by brushing them when they have just been exposed. Instead, rinse your mouth with water straight after eating and brush your teeth 30-60 minutes later.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?<\/h3> <p><strong>Do you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?<\/strong> It turns out that as long as you are brushing twice a day, it doesn\u2019t much matter whether you brush before or after breakfast.<\/p> <p>However, as mentioned above, if you are thinking about brushing after breakfast, you might want to consider <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/expert-answers\/brushing-your-teeth\/faq-20058193\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">waiting a bit<\/a> after you eat before brushing. This is because acidic food and drinks weaken tooth enamel, and so if you brush too soon, you might end up removing some of that precious enamel.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For how long should you brush your teeth?<\/h3> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63609\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/09\/caripro-electric-toothbrush-package-229x300.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 229px) 100vw, 229px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/09\/caripro-electric-toothbrush-package-229x300.jpg 229w, https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/09\/caripro-electric-toothbrush-package-780x1024.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/09\/caripro-electric-toothbrush-package-768x1008.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/09\/caripro-electric-toothbrush-package-1171x1536.jpg 1171w, https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/09\/caripro-electric-toothbrush-package-1561x2048.jpg 1561w, https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/09\/caripro-electric-toothbrush-package-scaled.jpg 1951w\" alt=\"caripro toothbrush\" width=\"229\" height=\"300\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A timer, sonic vibrations and 5 modes<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div> <p>Two to three minutes is the recommended teeth brushing time. Any less than this and you won\u2019t have time to clean every surface of every tooth properly, but you can possibly over-brush. Brushing your teeth for longer isn\u2019t necessarily a good thing, as you might cause damage to your teeth and gums from over-brushing.<\/p> <p>But it\u2019s really important to concentrate on what you\u2019re doing during those few minutes. Develop a brushing routine \u2013 like the one given below \u2013 and stick to the same pattern every day. Don\u2019t let yourself get distracted, otherwise, you could spend five minutes brushing the same few teeth and not even realize it.<\/p> <p>If this happens to you, you might want to consider an electric toothbrush with a timer, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smilebrilliant.com\/product\/electric-toothbrush\/?ref=8950&amp;utm_source=dentaly&amp;utm_medium=a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow nofollow\">this sonic brush from CariPRO<\/a>. It uses 40,000 sonic vibrations per minute to remove plaque from teeth. Plus it\u2019s got five different cleaning modes, one of which helps with extra whitening! Read more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/best-electric-toothbrush\/caripro-ultrasonic-toothbrush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CariPRO Ultrasonic toothbrush<\/a> in our review, or click the button below to try CariPRO for yourself.<\/p> <div class=\"mega-button\"><a class=\"orange\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilebrilliant.com\/product\/electric-toothbrush\/?ref=8950&amp;utm_source=dentaly&amp;utm_medium=a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener nofollow\">Whiten and clean with CariPRO<\/a><\/div> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should you floss before or after brushing?<\/h3> <p>According to the American Dental Association, it doesn\u2019t matter if you floss before or after brushing, just <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mouthhealthy.org\/all-topics-a-z\/flossing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">as long as you do it<\/a>. In fact, the ADA doesn\u2019t specify a preferred time of day, either.<\/p> <p>They simply recommend that you choose a time when you don\u2019t mind spending a couple of extra minutes flossing and that different times of day work better for different people. For example, if you know you\u2019ll be too tired before going to bed to bother with flossing, then try to do it in the morning, or at lunchtime.<\/p> <p>Either way, the important thing is that you do floss regularly. Most Americans don\u2019t. Our flossing guide explains <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/how-to-floss\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to floss your teeth<\/a> properly and why it\u2019s so important.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should you rinse after brushing your teeth?<\/h3> <p>Although the American Dental Association hasn\u2019t stated a strong opinion about this, international studies suggest that it\u2019s better to not rinse or to just rinse with a little bit of water after brushing.<\/p> <p>The studies, like one done by the <em>International Dental Journal<\/em> in 2013, cited by the University of California Berkely, provides some evidence that if you rinse after brushing your teeth, you wash away the fluoride in your toothpaste which is there to help fight decay and strengthen your teeth. Spit but don\u2019t rinse, and the fluoride stays on your teeth for longer.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should you brush your tongue?<\/h3> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-78122\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2024\/05\/mastermedi-tongue-scraper-300x284.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2024\/05\/mastermedi-tongue-scraper-300x284.png 300w, https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2024\/05\/mastermedi-tongue-scraper-768x727.png 768w, https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2024\/05\/mastermedi-tongue-scraper.png 976w\" alt=\"Tongue health for oral hygiene \" width=\"300\" height=\"284\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">You can clean your tongue to keep your breath fresher<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div> <p>Cleaning your tongue helps combat <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/oral-hygiene\/halitosis-bad-breath\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bad breath<\/a> and reduce bacteria in your mouth. You can clean your tongue using your toothbrush or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/oral-hygiene\/tongue-scraper\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">tongue scraper<\/a> as part of your daily teeth brushing routine.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should you brush your gums?<\/h3> <p>No. The part most at risk is the gum line, where your gums meet your teeth. Brush teeth at a 45-degree angle, to clean the gum line and keep your gums healthy.<\/p> <p>You might need to visit the hygienist for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/oral-hygiene\/teeth-cleaning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">scale and polish<\/a> (routine dental cleaning) to remove any tartar that\u2019s already built up on your teeth, otherwise, you risk developing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/gingivitis-treatment-symptoms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">gum disease<\/a>.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it OK to chew gum instead of brushing your teeth?<\/h3> <p>Chewing sugar-free gum after eating can help prevent cavities, but it\u2019s not a substitute for brushing. Chewing gum can help dislodge food particles and produce saliva. This naturally fights acids that can damage your teeth.<\/p> <p>Remember to choose a sugar-free variety, otherwise, you\u2019re just coating your teeth with even more damaging sugar. And use it in addition to \u2013 not instead of \u2013 twice-daily brushing.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens when you don\u2019t brush your teeth?<\/h3> <p>\u201cNothing good,\u201d according to Matthew Messina, dentist and ADA spokesperson in an interview with <a href=\"https:\/\/eu.usatoday.com\/story\/news\/nation-now\/2017\/03\/14\/what-would-happen-if-you-didnt-brush-your-teeth-year\/99157362\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">USA Today<\/a>. Despite the rather blithe answer, he is, of course, right.<\/p> <p>While forgetting to brush your teeth once in a while isn\u2019t a big deal, if you continue to do so, you\u2019ll encounter problems like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/oral-hygiene\/dental-plaque-tartar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">plaque and tartar build-up<\/a> and bad breath.<\/p> <p>And then these problems can turn into tooth decay, loss of teeth and gum disease! So, brush your teeth!<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you brush your teeth too much?<\/h3> <p>Just like with anything, too much brushing isn\u2019t necessarily a good thing. If you <strong>brush your teeth too much<\/strong>, you may wear down the enamel on your teeth. This, in turn, can cause <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/sensitive-teeth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">sensitive teeth<\/a>, and can actually make your teeth appear yellower because the yellow dentin behind your enamel will be more visible. Overbrushing can also lead to gum recession in some cases.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you brush your teeth with baking soda?<\/h3> <div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-86629041 size-medium\"> <figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-86629041\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/08\/How-much-toothpaste-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"too much toothpaste\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This is way more toothpaste than you need!<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div> <p>Making a paste out of baking soda and water, and then adding oil for flavor and some salt, or adding a bit of baking soda to your toothpaste is a widely recognized way to naturally whiten your teeth.<\/p> <h2 id=\"how-to-brush-your-teeth-properly-step-by-step-guide\" \"how-to-brush-your-teeth-properly-step-by-step-guide\"class =\"wp-block-heading\">How to brush your teeth properly: step-by-step guide<\/h2> <p>We\u2019ve established that you should brush at least twice a day, one of those times before you go to bed, for two to three minutes each time. Here\u2019s what to do in those few minutes as you brush your teeth:<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use the correct amount of fluoride toothpaste<\/h3> <p>Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits easily in your mouth, so you can reach everywhere you need to brush.<\/p> <p>The toothpaste doesn\u2019t need to cover the brush head as you see in many toothpaste ads. A pea-sized amount is enough for anyone over three years of age. These are the amounts of toothpaste recommended by the <a class=\"broken_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.org\/resources\/ada-library\/oral-health-topics\/fluoride-topical-and-systemic-supplements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ADA<\/a> according to age group:<\/p> <div class=\"wptb-table-container wptb-table-42853\"> <div id=\"wptb-table-id-42853\" class=\"wptb-table-container-matrix\" data-wptb-version=\"2.0.2\" data-wptb-pro-status=\"true\"> <table class=\"wptb-preview-table wptb-element-main-table_setting-42853\" style=\"border: 1px solid #d1d1d1;\" role=\"table\" data-reconstraction=\"1\" data-wptb-table-tds-sum-max-width=\"262.98611\" data-wptb-cells-width-auto-count=\"2\" data-wptb-table-directives=\"eyJpbm5lckJvcmRlcnMiOnsiYWN0aXZlIjoiYWxsIiwiYm9yZGVyV2lkdGgiOiIxIiwiYm9yZGVyUmFkaXVzZXMiOnsiYWxsIjpmYWxzZX19fQ==\" data-wptb-extra-styles=\"LyogRW50ZXIgeW91ciBjdXN0b20gQ1NTIHJ1bGVzIGhlcmUgKi8=\" data-table-columns=\"2\"> <tbody> <tr class=\"wptb-row\"> <td class=\"wptb-cell\" style=\"border: 1px solid #d1d1d1;\" data-y-index=\"0\" data-x-index=\"0\" data-wptb-css-td-auto-width=\"true\"> <div class=\"wptb-text-container wptb-ph-element wptb-element-text-31\" style=\"color: #4a5568; font-size: 15px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"> <div class=\"\" style=\"position: relative;\"> <p>Age<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <td class=\"wptb-cell\" style=\"border: 1px solid #d1d1d1;\" data-y-index=\"0\" data-x-index=\"1\" data-wptb-css-td-auto-width=\"true\"> <div class=\"wptb-text-container wptb-ph-element wptb-element-text-32\" style=\"color: #4a5568; font-size: 15px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"> <div class=\"\" style=\"position: relative;\"> <p>Amount to use<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <tr class=\"wptb-row\"> <td class=\"wptb-cell\" style=\"border: 1px solid #d1d1d1;\" data-y-index=\"1\" data-x-index=\"0\" data-wptb-css-td-auto-width=\"true\"> <div class=\"wptb-text-container wptb-ph-element wptb-element-text-33\" style=\"color: #4a5568; font-size: 15px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"> <div class=\"\" style=\"position: relative;\"> <p><strong>Children under 3<\/strong><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <td class=\"wptb-cell\" style=\"border: 1px solid #d1d1d1;\" data-y-index=\"1\" data-x-index=\"1\" data-wptb-css-td-auto-width=\"true\"> <div class=\"wptb-text-container wptb-ph-element wptb-element-text-34\"> <div class=\"\" style=\"position: relative;\"> <p>A smear (size of a grain of rice)<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <tr class=\"wptb-row\"> <td class=\"wptb-cell\" style=\"border: 1px solid #d1d1d1;\" data-y-index=\"2\" data-x-index=\"0\" data-wptb-css-td-auto-width=\"true\"> <div class=\"wptb-text-container wptb-ph-element wptb-element-text-35\" style=\"color: #4a5568; font-size: 15px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"> <div class=\"\" style=\"position: relative;\"> <p><strong>Children 3-6<\/strong><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <td class=\"wptb-cell\" style=\"border: 1px solid #d1d1d1;\" data-y-index=\"2\" data-x-index=\"1\" data-wptb-css-td-auto-width=\"true\"> <div class=\"wptb-text-container wptb-ph-element wptb-element-text-36\" style=\"color: #4a5568; font-size: 15px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"> <div class=\"\" style=\"position: relative;\"> <p>A pea-sized amount<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <tr class=\"wptb-row\"> <td class=\"wptb-cell\" style=\"border: 1px solid #d1d1d1;\" data-y-index=\"3\" data-x-index=\"0\" data-wptb-css-td-auto-width=\"true\"> <div class=\"wptb-text-container wptb-ph-element wptb-element-text-37\" style=\"color: #4a5568; font-size: 15px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"> <div class=\"\" style=\"position: relative;\"> <p><strong>Children over 6 and adults\u00a0<\/strong><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <td class=\"wptb-cell\" style=\"border: 1px solid #d1d1d1;\" data-y-index=\"3\" data-x-index=\"1\" data-wptb-css-td-auto-width=\"true\"> <div class=\"wptb-text-container wptb-ph-element wptb-element-text-38\" style=\"color: #4a5568; font-size: 15px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"> <div class=\"\" style=\"position: relative;\"> <p>A pea-sized amount<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div> <div class=\"wptb-frontend-table-after\"><\/div> <\/div> <p>Although the ADA hasn\u2019t recently specified the optimal concentration of fluoride in toothpaste per age group, internationally it is recommended that 1,000ppm be used up to age six, and 1,350\u20131,500ppm thereafter.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Angle the brush at 45 degrees<\/h3> <p>When brushing the sides of your teeth, tilt your brush 45 degrees so that the bristles can reach inside the small gap between your teeth and gums. If plaque builds up in this pocket, it can lead to gum disease.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brush teeth gently with small circular motions<\/h3> <p>Many people brush their teeth using a back-and-forward scrubbing motion, but small circular movements are actually the proper way to brush teeth, as they are more effective and less damaging.<\/p> <p>You also don\u2019t need to exert a lot of pressure nor scrub as hard as you can. Gentle pressure is enough to loosen plaque, and if you brush too hard you might make your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/bleeding-gums\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">gums bleed<\/a>. Many electric toothbrushes come with a pressure sensor which alerts you if you\u2019re brushing your teeth too forcefully.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brush every surface of every tooth<\/h3> <div class=\"wp-block-image size-medium wp-image-8769\"> <figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8769\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/09\/Man-brushing-teeth-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"How long are you supposed to brush your teeth\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">How long do you brush your teeth?<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div> <p>The order in which you brush your teeth doesn\u2019t matter, but doing it the same way every time can help ensure you don\u2019t miss any surfaces. This is one example of how you can brush your teeth:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Begin at the back of your mouth, top left or top right<\/li> <li>Work your way around the outer surface of each tooth, brushing each one in small circular motions for a few seconds<\/li> <li>Turn your brush to the inner surface and work your way around the top again<\/li> <li>Brush the biting surface of your top molars and the back surface of your rear teeth<\/li> <li>Turn the brush vertically and use a downwards motion to brush the back of your front teeth a few times<\/li> <li>Repeat for the bottom teeth<\/li> <li>After cleaning your teeth, brush or scrape your tongue a few times<\/li> <\/ul> <p>Another way is to break your mouth into four quadrants and spend 30 seconds on each one, brushing the inner, outer and biting surfaces as you go.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Spit but don\u2019t rinse<\/h3> <p>Remember, if you rinse with water or mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth, the ingredients in your toothpaste get diluted or washed away. If you choose to use mouthwash then wait a while after brushing, or use it to freshen up at other times of the day when brushing isn\u2019t possible.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clean between teeth once a day<\/h3> <p>You don\u2019t need to do this every time you brush, but cleaning between your teeth daily will help keep plaque at bay. You can use string floss, interdental brushes or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/best-water-flosser\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">water flosser<\/a> to do this.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Video showing how to brush teeth<\/h3> <p>This video sums up <strong>the best way to brush teeth<\/strong>:<\/p> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"> <div style=\"display: contents;\"> <div id=\"arve-youtube-8b6oizv5jeo\" class=\"arve\" data-mode=\"normal\" data-oembed=\"1\" data-provider=\"youtube\"> <div class=\"arve-inner\"> <div class=\"arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"arve-ar\" style=\"padding-top: 56.250000%;\"><\/div> <p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"arve-iframe fitvidsignore\" title=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/8B6oIZv5jeo?feature=oembed&amp;iv_load_policy=3&amp;modestbranding=1&amp;rel=0&amp;autohide=1&amp;playsinline=0&amp;autoplay=0\" name=\"\" width=\"0\" height=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-arve=\"arve-youtube-8b6oizv5jeo\" data-lenis-prevent=\"\" data-src-no-ap=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/8B6oIZv5jeo?feature=oembed&amp;iv_load_policy=3&amp;modestbranding=1&amp;rel=0&amp;autohide=1&amp;playsinline=0&amp;autoplay=0\"><\/iframe><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/figure> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other considerations<\/h3> <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to brush your teeth with braces<\/h4> <p>When brushing your teeth with braces, you\u2019ll want to make sure you follow the same technique as you would without braces, but with some extra steps. In addition to the proper steps mentioned above, you should place the toothbrush on the brackets and angle down, brushing in small circles like normal. Then, with the toothbrush still positioned on top of the brackets, angle up and do the same thing.<\/p> <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to brush your teeth without a toothbrush<\/h4> <p>Let\u2019s be clear, you should definitely use a toothbrush to properly brush your teeth. However, most of us have had the experience of spending the night away from home and forgetting to bring a toothbrush. When this situation inevitably happens to you, you can wrap a piece of a wet paper towel around your index finger, dab some toothpaste on it and use the same brushing motions as you would with your toothbrush.<\/p> <div class=\"dentist-tip\"> <div class=\"dentist-tip__title\">Ask a dentist: How do I brush my toddler&#8217;s teeth?<\/div> <div class=\"dentist-tip__content\"> <p>One of the most important things you can do for the health of your child\u2019s teeth is daily tooth brushing.\u00a0Don\u2019t ever underestimate the power of this simple, two-minute act for oral hygiene efforts.\u00a0Oral health starts with a commitment to regular tooth brushing and flossing. The American Dental Association recommends the following:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Engage in tooth brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of a toothbrush should accommodate the size of your child\u2019s mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily. Soft <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/best-electric-toothbrush\/silicone-toothbrush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">silicone brushes<\/a> are becoming increasingly popular.<\/li> <li>Use the right amount of toothpaste: Rice-sized amount for babies; pea-sized amount for toddlers.<\/li> <li>Replace toothbrushes every three or four months\u2013sooner if bristles are frayed. A worn-out toothbrush isn\u2019t a good tool for cleaning teeth.<\/li> <li>Check the label.\u00a0Before you buy, make sure you are using an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.<\/li> <li>Parents should help supervise children when they brush their teeth until age 11.<\/li> <\/ul> <p><strong>Dr. Catalina Botero, Li\u2019l Sunshine Smiles Dentistry<\/strong><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <h2 id=\"choosing-the-right-products-to-brush-teeth\" \"choosing-the-right-products-to-brush-teeth\"class =\"wp-block-heading\">Choosing the right products to brush teeth<\/h2> <p>Now that you know how to brush your teeth, you might be wondering which products are best to use. Here are some things to consider, but you\u2019ll find more information in our more detailed guides on each of these topics.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Toothbrush<\/h3> <div class=\"wp-block-image size-medium wp-image-86629039\"> <figure class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9039\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/08\/brush-teeth-FI-300x157.jpg\" alt=\"how to brush your teeth\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A smaller brush head makes it easier to reach all your teeth<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div> <p>You might think that scrubbing vigorously with a hard-bristled toothbrush will help remove more plaque, but in fact, this is not the proper way to brush teeth, and it can be damaging to your teeth and gums. Soft or medium bristles should do the job just fine. Choose a small brush head that lets you reach your back teeth easily.<\/p> <p>An electric toothbrush may help you brush your teeth more effectively. Read about why this is, how to choose the best one for you, and popular brands like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/best-electric-toothbrush\/oral-b-vs-sonicare\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sonicare and Oral-B<\/a> in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/best-electric-toothbrush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best electric toothbrush<\/a> guide, or have a look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/best-electric-toothbrush\/best-whitening-toothbrush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"52920\">best toothbrushes for whitening<\/a>.<\/p> <p>Or, read about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/oral-hygiene\/best-manual-toothbrush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">best manual toothbrushes<\/a> around if you prefer to keep it simple. And if you\u2019re looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint and care for the environment, you may even be interested in eco-friendly options like bamboo toothbrushes.<\/p> <p>You should replace your toothbrush or brush head every three months, or sooner if you notice the bristles are splaying (this could be a sign you\u2019re brushing too hard). Using an old, frayed brush may damage your enamel.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Toothpaste<\/h3> <p>Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride (at least 1,000 ppm for adults and children) helps you fight decay as you brush. Choose a brand and flavor that you enjoy using, as this will make you more likely to keep up regular brushing. Read more about choosing the best <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/oral-hygiene\/baby-kids-toothpaste\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">toothpaste for children<\/a> and the best <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/oral-hygiene\/best-toothpaste\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">toothpaste for adults<\/a> in our full guides.<\/p> <p>Natural toothpastes with and without fluoride are available for purchase, and you can even make your own if you prefer. Read more about the options in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/natural-tooth-care\/natural-homemade-toothpaste\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">natural toothpaste guide<\/a>.<\/p> <div class=\"wp-block-image\"> <figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63593\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/09\/caripro-cordless-water-flosser-231x300.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 231px) 100vw, 231px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/09\/caripro-cordless-water-flosser-231x300.jpg 231w, https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/09\/caripro-cordless-water-flosser-789x1024.jpg 789w, https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/09\/caripro-cordless-water-flosser-768x996.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/09\/caripro-cordless-water-flosser-1184x1536.jpg 1184w, https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/09\/caripro-cordless-water-flosser-1578x2048.jpg 1578w, https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/09\/caripro-cordless-water-flosser-scaled.jpg 1973w\" alt=\"caripro water flossers\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Water flossers compliment brushing and flossing<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Floss<\/h3> <p>Brushing teeth only cleans three out of the five surfaces, so it\u2019s important to clean between them as well. If you don\u2019t like using traditional dental floss, or if you have braces, a water flosser can make the job a lot easier.<\/p> <p>If you\u2019re serious about your oral hygiene, and a water flosser interests you, you may want to try the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smilebrilliant.com\/product\/water-flosser\/?ref=8123&amp;campaign=hotobr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow nofollow\">cariPRO Cordless Water Flosser<\/a>.<\/p> <p>This flosser comes with 4 specialty floss tips including standard, ortho, restorations and gum health. It also features an ergonomic design with a soft touch grip.<\/p> <p>A 60-day trial means that if you don\u2019t like it after three months, you can get a full refund. Get your cariPRO now for a discounted price.<\/p> <div class=\"mega-button\"><a class=\"orange\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilebrilliant.com\/product\/water-flosser\/?ref=8123&amp;campaign=hotobr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener nofollow\">Click to check today&#8217;s offers<\/a><\/div> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mouthwash<\/h3> <p>Mouthwash doesn\u2019t just freshen your breath; choose one that contains fluoride and it\u2019ll also work to prevent tooth decay. However, it\u2019s unclear if you should use it straight after brushing because it rinses off the fluoride left from your toothpaste. This goes for fluoride mouthwashes as well.<\/p> <p>To read more about how to use mouthwash correctly and the various brands, view our guide to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/oral-hygiene\/best-mouthwash\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"detailed mouthwash guide (opens in a new tab)\">best mouthwashes<\/a> for different oral health problems.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plaque disclosing tablets<\/h3> <p>If you want to see whether you\u2019re doing a good job of brushing, pick up some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/oral-hygiene\/dental-plaque-tartar\/plaque-disclosing-tablets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">plaque disclosing tablets<\/a>. These chewable tablets dye any plaque in your mouth so you can clearly see what\u2019s left behind after you brush. Then, you can work on improving how you brush your teeth.<\/p> <h2 id=\"other-ways-to-care-for-your-teeth\" \"other-ways-to-care-for-your-teeth\"class =\"wp-block-heading\">Other ways to care for your teeth<\/h2> <p>Knowing how to clean your teeth properly is only part of the picture when it comes to maintaining good oral health. Here are some other things you can do to make sure your new teeth brushing efforts are not going to waste.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch what you eat<\/h3> <div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-86623577 size-medium\"> <figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-86623577\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/08\/coffee-and-wine-300x271.jpg\" alt=\"cleaning teeth\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Know which drinks have a high acidity<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div> <p>You know that eating sugar is bad for your teeth, but there\u2019s a lot more to it than that. Acidic foods and drinks like vinegar, pickles, fruit juice, wine and soft drinks can be just as damaging. Plus, a lot of \u201chealthy\u201d snacks like dried fruits, cereal bars and yogurts contain more sugar than you might realize.<\/p> <p>The damage increases if you snack regularly on these culprits throughout the day, rather than limiting them to mealtimes. Constant grazing means your teeth don\u2019t get a break from the sugar and acid which wear away enamel.<\/p> <p>Not only does this result in greater risk of tooth decay; you may get <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/yellow-teeth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">yellow teeth<\/a> or sensitive teeth because of thinning enamel.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Have regular dental checkups<\/h3> <p>Even if you know how to brush your teeth properly and follow a good oral hygiene routine every day, dental problems can still occur. Having regular checkups lets your dentist catch these early on and means treatment should be less invasive (and less expensive) than if you leave the problem to develop.<\/p> <p>Your dentist will use special tools like manual scrapers, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/oral-hygiene\/teeth-cleaning\/ultrasonic-tooth-cleaner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"58045\">ultrasonic dental cleaners<\/a> to get rid of plaque and tartar buildup.<\/p> <p>Your dentist will also give you advice on the best way to brush your teeth and care for your overall oral health, so don\u2019t be tempted to skip your checkups!<\/p> <h2 id=\"conclusion\" \"conclusion\"class =\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2> <p>We hope you have found these oral hygiene instructions useful and that you now understand how to brush teeth properly. Perhaps it\u2019s even highlighted some things you were doing wrong?<\/p> <p>Remember, keeping your teeth clean and healthy involves:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Brushing at least twice a day, for two minutes at a time<\/li> <li>Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste<\/li> <li>Not rinsing after you brush (even with mouthwash)<\/li> <li>Not brushing teeth straight after eating acidic or sugary foods and drinks<\/li> <li>Avoiding snacking on sugary and acidic foods and drinks<\/li> <li>Flossing daily<\/li> <li>Visiting your dentist regularly<\/li> <\/ul> <p>If you\u2019re still unsure about how to <strong>clean your teeth properly<\/strong> or you have any other concerns, speak to your dentist at your next visit.<\/p> <div class=\"socials_share\"> <ul class=\"share-buttons\"> <li class=\"share_item share_item-facebook\"><\/li> <li class=\"share_item share_item-twitter\"><\/li> <li class=\"share_item share_item-whatsapp-web\"><\/li> <li class=\"share_item share_item-common\"><\/li> <\/ul> <p><script>\n    document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function(event) {\n        var tempInput = jQuery('<input type=\"text\">');\n        var curUrl = jQuery(location).attr('href');\n        var shareButton = jQuery('.share-copy-link');\n        shareButton.on('click', function (e) {\n            e.preventDefault();\n            if (navigator.share) {\n                navigator.share({\n                    title: 'Dentaly.org | Your Oral Healthcare Portal',\n                    url: curUrl\n                }).then(() => {\n                    console.log('Thanks for sharing!');\n                }).catch(console.error);\n            } else {\n                jQuery('body').append(tempInput);\n                tempInput.val(curUrl).select();\n                document.execCommand('copy');\n                tempInput.remove();\n                jQuery(this).attr('data-state', 'Link is copied').addClass('copied');\n                setTimeout(function () {\n                    jQuery('.share-copy-link').removeClass('copied');\n                }, 8000);\n            }\n        });\n    });\n<\/script><\/p> <\/div> <p><!--copyscapeskip--><\/p> <div class=\"medical-references\"> <div class=\"medical-references__heading\">Sources<\/div> <div class=\"medical-references__list\"> <p><strong>Oral Health Foundation: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentalhealth.org\/diet-and-my-teeth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Diet and my teeth<\/a>. Consulted 26th August 2025.<\/p> <p><strong>Oral Health Foundation: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentalhealth.org\/caring-for-my-teeth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Caring for my teeth and gums<\/a>. Consulted 26th August 2025.<\/p> <p><strong>Mayoclinic.org:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/expert-answers\/brushing-your-teeth\/faq-20058193\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">When and how often should you brush your teeth?<\/a> Consulted 17th September 2025.<\/p> <p><strong>MouthHealthy:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mouthhealthy.org\/all-topics-a-z\/flossing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Flossing<\/a>. Consulted 17th September 2025.<\/p> <p><strong>ADA.org:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.org\/resources\/ada-library\/oral-health-topics\/fluoride-topical-and-systemic-supplements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fluoride: Topical and Systemic Supplements<\/a>. Consulted 17th September 2025.<\/p> <p><strong>USA Today:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/eu.usatoday.com\/story\/news\/nation-now\/2017\/03\/14\/what-would-happen-if-you-didnt-brush-your-teeth-year\/99157362\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What would happen if you didn\u2019t brush your teeth for a year?<\/a> Consulted 17th September 2025.<\/p> <p><strong>Sunstar:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sunstar.com\/assets\/sunstar-global-healthy-thinking-report-2021-oral-health-report.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Global Healthy Thinking Report<\/a>. Consulted 11th September 2025.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <p><!--\/copyscapeskip--><\/p> <p><!-- Schema.org VideoObject added\/managed by schema_updater script --><br \/> <script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@type\": \"VideoObject\",\n  \"embedUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/8B6oIZv5jeo?feature=oembed&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&autohide=1&playsinline=0&autoplay=0\",\n  \"name\": \"Teeth Brushing Tips: How to Brush Your Teeth Properly\",\n  \"description\": \"Teeth Brushing Tips: How to Brush Your Teeth Properly\",\n  \"thumbnailUrl\": \"https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/8B6oIZv5jeo\/hqdefault.jpg\",\n  \"uploadDate\": \"2025-04-14T12:00:00Z\",\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\"\n}\n<\/script><br \/> <!-- End schema_updater script --><\/p> <div class=\"socials_share\"> <ul class=\"share-buttons\"> <li class=\"share_item share_item-facebook\">         <a class=\"share_link share-facebook\"            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<stop offset=\"1\" stop-color=\"#2BB826\"\/>                     <\/lineargradient>                 <\/defs>             <\/svg><br \/>         <\/a>     <\/li> <li class=\"share_item share_item-common\">         <a href=\"#\" class=\"share_link share-copy-link\" id=\"share-copy-link\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><br \/>             <svg width=\"30\" height=\"30\" viewbox=\"0 0 30 30\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">                 <rect width=\"30\" height=\"30\" rx=\"2\" fill=\"#00D4DD\"\/>                 <path d=\"M15.8313 13.6488C14.5411 12.3741 12.4442 12.3813 11.145 13.665L7.55841 17.2089C6.25927 18.4926 6.25204 20.5645 7.54226 21.8392C8.83248 23.114 10.9294 23.1067 12.2285 21.8231L15.0358 19.0158\"                       stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\"\/>                 <path d=\"M13.993 15.3983C15.2832 16.6731 17.3802 16.6658 18.6793 15.3821L22.2659 11.8382C23.5651 10.5545 23.5723 8.48268 22.2821 7.20792C20.9918 5.93316 18.8949 5.94039 17.5958 7.22408L14.7688 10.0511\"                       stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\"\/>             <\/svg><br \/>         <\/a>     <\/li> <\/ul> <p><script>\n    document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function(event) {\n        var tempInput = jQuery('<input type=\"text\">');\n        var curUrl = jQuery(location).attr('href');\n        var shareButton = jQuery('.share-copy-link');\n        shareButton.on('click', function (e) {\n            e.preventDefault();\n            if (navigator.share) {\n                navigator.share({\n                    title: 'Dentaly.org | Your Oral Healthcare Portal',\n                    url: curUrl\n                }).then(() => {\n                    console.log('Thanks for sharing!');\n                }).catch(console.error);\n            } else {\n                jQuery('body').append(tempInput);\n                tempInput.val(curUrl).select();\n                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Consulted 26th August 2024.<\/p> <p><strong>Oral Health Foundation: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentalhealth.org\/caring-for-my-teeth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Caring for my teeth and gums<\/a>. Consulted 26th August 2024.<\/p> <p><strong>Mayoclinic.org:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/expert-answers\/brushing-your-teeth\/faq-20058193\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">When and how often should you brush your teeth?<\/a> Consulted 17th September 2024.<\/p> <p><strong>MouthHealthy:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mouthhealthy.org\/all-topics-a-z\/flossing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Flossing<\/a>. Consulted 17th September 2024.<\/p> <p><strong>ADA.org:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.org\/resources\/ada-library\/oral-health-topics\/fluoride-topical-and-systemic-supplements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fluoride: Topical and Systemic Supplements<\/a>. Consulted 17th September 2024.<\/p> <p><strong>USA Today:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/eu.usatoday.com\/story\/news\/nation-now\/2017\/03\/14\/what-would-happen-if-you-didnt-brush-your-teeth-year\/99157362\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What would happen if you didn&#8217;t brush your teeth for a year?<\/a> Consulted 17th September 2024.<\/p> <p><strong>Sunstar:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sunstar.com\/assets\/sunstar-global-healthy-thinking-report-2021-oral-health-report.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Global Healthy Thinking Report<\/a>. Consulted 11th September 2024.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <p><!--\/copyscapeskip--><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you wondering how to properly brush your teeth? Brushing our teeth is something most of us have done for as long as we can remember, but often without much thought as to the correct way to do it. Well, it\u2019s great that you\u2019re giving it some thought now! Keeping your teeth clean is a &#8230; <a title=\"How to Brush Your Teeth Properly: Instructions for Best Oral Hygiene\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/oral-hygiene\/brushing-teeth-properly\/\">Read more <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">How to Brush Your Teeth Properly: Instructions for Best Oral Hygiene<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":139,"featured_media":61190,"parent":8740,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6941],"tags":[],"coauthors":[1403],"class_list":["post-8657","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","category-oral-hygiene-category"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Brush Your Teeth: Your Hygiene Questions Answered - Dentaly.org<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Got questions about how to brush your teeth properly? 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