Brushing Basics: Easy as A, B, C

By Jill Feilmeier on March 10, 2015 in Dental Health

Brushing may be as simple as “Do, re, mi,” but many people are still doing it incorrectly.  Forget reading, writing and arithmetic (for now). We're 'gonna teach you how to get an A (in brushing).

It's as easy as… 

A. A toothbrush and toothpaste
Start your routine with a soft, nylon based toothbrush. Use a pea-sized amount of ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.

B. Brush back and forth in short strokes
Shake it, shake it baby! Move the toothbrush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes. Pay special attention to the gum line (where the teeth and gums meet).

C. Use perfect pressure
Hard brushing can damage your tooth enamel. Remember to brush like a Jackson 5 ballad – smooth and gentle.

1. Clean all surfaces of the teeth
Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces. Concentrate harder on the inner surfaces – studies show they're often neglected.

2. Brush your tongue
This will remove other bacteria and help freshen your breath.

3. Sing a simple melody
Brush at least 2 times a day for 2 minutes. After all, 2 + 2 makes more (smiles).

That's how easy grins can be.