What Does Brushing Your Teeth Do?
Learning how to brush your teeth properly is the first step to maintaining healthy teeth and gums by removing food particles, plaque, and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. Plus, it helps minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, the major causes of tooth loss.
How to Clean Your Teeth at Home
While there are several methods of brushing teeth with a manual toothbrush , always ask your dental professional for their recommendation and be sure to follow their instructions. To start, use fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristle toothbrush, and don't forget to replace it every three months.
How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth For?
To brush your teeth correctly, spend at least two minutes using a recommended technique, which includes 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left), both morning and night. Since most manual toothbrushes don't have built-in two-minute timers, you may want to have a clock handy so you can be sure you're brushing long enough.