Brushing your teeth properly is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene, yet many people in the U.S. are unsure about the best tooth-brushing technique.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most recommended techniques, the tools needed for proper brushing, how to teach your kids good habits, and tips for using electric toothbrushes.
What You Need for Effective Tooth Brushing
- The Right Toothbrush: Dentists recommend soft-bristle toothbrushes with small heads that fit comfortably in your mouth. In people with dental sensitivity or periodontal diseases, the use of ultra-soft bristle toothbrushes is recommended.
- Fluoride Toothpaste: Always use toothpaste that carries the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval, ensuring it contains fluoride to help protect your enamel.
- An Effective Brushing Technique: Select a technique that’s easy to maintain and works best for your dental needs.
What is the correct toothbrushing technique?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, but several proven tooth-brushing techniques effectively remove bacteria and plaque buildup.
Here are some of the most highly recommended brushing techniques in the U.S.:
- Bass Technique: Position the toothbrush at a 45° angle to the gumline, sweeping horizontally along the teeth. This method is excellent for cleaning the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth and focusing on the back molars.
- Stillman Technique: Place the bristles on the gumline and make small, circular vibratory motions. This technique stimulates the gums and cleans the teeth simultaneously.
- Fones Technique (Circular Method): Ideal for kids and beginners, this technique involves making circular motions from the upper to lower teeth, focusing on covering all tooth surfaces.
- Modified Bass Technique: Start with the Bass technique, but add semicircular strokes from the gumline toward the crowns. This is especially effective for removing plaque near the gums.
- Modified Stillman Technique: A combination of circular brushing and sweeping strokes that go from the gums to the crowns, promoting gum health while removing plaque.
Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Brushing
- Choose a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth.
- Select a tooth-brushing technique that suits your needs.
- Brush for a minimum of 2 minutes.
- Use gentle strokes to avoid damaging your enamel or gums.
- Don’t forget to brush all surfaces: external, internal, and the chewing areas of your teeth.
- Gently massage your gums as you brush.
- Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Brushing Technique After Periodontal Surgery
After periodontal surgery, it’s crucial to adopt a gentle tooth-brushing technique to avoid damaging sensitive tissues and promote healing.
Dentists typically recommend using a toothbrush with ultra-soft bristles, or a post-surgical brush, which is even gentler.
The Modified Stillman technique can be beneficial, as the sweeping motion from the gums to the crowns helps stimulate healing while minimizing trauma to the gum line.
Be sure to avoid brushing directly on surgical sites for the first few days, and consult your dentist for specific guidance.
Best Brushing Technique If You Have Braces
Brushing with braces requires extra care to clean around brackets and wires effectively.
The Bass technique is often recommended, as it allows you to angle the bristles at 45° to reach between the brackets and the gums.
Use small, circular motions to clean each tooth, and pay special attention to the spaces around the braces where food particles and plaque can build up.
Consider using an interdental brush to reach areas that are harder to clean with a standard toothbrush.
Best Tooth Brushing Technique for Gum Recession
For those with receding gums, it’s essential to use a technique that avoids further irritation to the exposed root surfaces.
The Modified Stillman technique is considered the best tooth-brushing technique for recession.
Its gentle, sweeping motion from the gums to the teeth helps clean effectively while also stimulating the gum tissue.
Using a soft or ultra-soft toothbrush is crucial to prevent abrasion, and be sure to apply light pressure to avoid further damage to the gums.
Tooth Brushing Technique for Kids
Teaching your kid to brush their teeth can be easy with the Fones technique. Its simple, circular motions make it an excellent method for kids to learn.
Ensure they brush for two minutes and cover all tooth surfaces.
Proper Brushing Technique for Adults
Adults benefit most from the Modified Bass or Modified Stillman techniques. These are ideal for removing plaque along the gumline, preventing receding gums and gingivitis.
How to brush Your baby’s teeth?
Start cleaning your baby’s gums even before their first tooth appears. Use a damp gauze pad, and once teeth start to emerge, switch to a baby toothbrush. These toothbrushes are specially designed to protect your baby’s delicate gums.
Use a soft brush with thin bristles, moistening it with water. Gently clean your baby’s gums, teeth, and tongue to prevent bacteria buildup.
Once your pediatric dentist approves, introduce a small amount of fluoride-free toothpaste.
Electric toothbrush brushing technique
Brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush is user-friendly, as the brush handles the movements for you.
Simply guide the brush around your mouth, letting it clean each section. Many electric toothbrushes come with timers and position sensors to ensure a thorough clean.
You can get more information in our article on the best electric toothbrushes of 2024.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the correct tooth-brushing technique is key to maintaining good oral hygiene. Whether you’re using the Bass technique, Fones technique, or even an electric toothbrush, following these steps will help protect your teeth and gums.