The Guide to Proper Brushing

Using the proper tooth brushing technique is just as important as picking out the right toothbrush or toothpaste. There are a number of different techniques that are used for different situations, but I'm going to talk about two popular techniques that everyone can use - just pick your favourite one!

The Right Grasp

The right grasp looks like this. You should have a light grasp on the toothbrush. Having a death grip will inadvertently cause you to push harder on your teeth and gums, which can lead to damaging the tissues. Your wrist is going to be moving and rotating the toothbrush while your thumb and fingers hold it.

Getting Started

• Divide your mouth into 4 sections:
1. The outsides of your top teeth
2. The insides of your top teeth
3. The outsides of your bottom teeth
4. The insides of your bottom teeth

• Spend 30 seconds on each section
• Remember: The sides of the bristles are supposed to touch the gums and crowns of your teeth, and the tops of the bristles are only supposed to touch the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
• Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth with a gentle back and forth scrub
• Don't forget about your tongue! Gently brush in an outwards direction only.

Following these steps will help you ensure that you don't miss any spots, and spend an equal amount of time in each section.

The Bass Technique

Position the bristles at a 45 degree angle against the tooth, with the bristles slightly under the gums. While keeping the bristles at a 45 degree angle, do a light horizontal jiggle back and forth 5 times. Do this with two teeth at a time. This motion helps to move the bristles slightly under the gums and between the teeth.

Make sure that you aren't sliding the bristles horizontally across the tooth (jiggle the bristles instead), and be careful not to push too hard - keep a light grasp!

The Rolling Stroke

Position the sides of the bristles against the gums and crown of the tooth. Then roll the bristles (using your wrist) toward the tooth surface while you sweep the bristles down along the tooth 5 times with two teeth at a time.

If your front teeth are more crooked, turning the toothbrush like this will help:

Now all you have to do is brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time, and you're on your way to healthier happier teeth!