A brief guide on brushing technique and how to choose the right toothbrush- our best tips
Bestill timeA manual toothbrush can remove as much plaque and bacteria from your teeth as an electric toothbrush, as long as you brush thoroughly enough. In other words, a manual toothbrush is sufficient for most people.
Always use a soft toothbrush.
Replace your toothbrush with each season—spring, summer, fall, and winter—or sooner if it starts to look worn or frayed. It’s also important to replace your toothbrush or brush head after you’ve had a cold, as it now contains bacteria that could make you sick again. A toothbrush is personal and should not be used by anyone else for hygiene reasons.
An electric toothbrush is often recommended for those with mobility challenges or when help is needed to brush teeth thoroughly. A rotating brush head is recommended, as this has the most documented effectiveness. An electric toothbrush is also suitable for those with brushing damage—smart toothbrushes will signal if you’re brushing too hard, helping prevent further damage to your teeth while also telling you where you need to brush more to ensure a thorough clean.
No matter which toothbrush you choose, it should be comfortable to use and make it easy for you to brush all of your teeth.
If you're still unsure which toothbrush is best suited for you, ask your dental hygienist or dentist at your next dental visit!
Brushing damage caused by improper technique—such as using a toothbrush that’s too hard (medium/hard bristles)—can harm your gums and tooth enamel. Gums may recede, exposing the sensitive tooth root, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and damage to the root surface. Some people use too much force when brushing, and for them, a soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush would be beneficial.
During your examination or dental cleaning with us, we can guide you in the correct brushing technique and show you how to take good care of your teeth and gums!
Electric toothbrushes can be gentler on the gums as some models alert you if you brush too hard. With proper use of an electric toothbrush, many people prefer it over a manual toothbrush. However, as long as it's clean enough after using a manual toothbrush, this is good enough, so you don't necessarily have to switch to an electric toothbrush. A clean tooth will not get a cavity. During an examination, we guide and instruct on brushing technique and recommend an electric toothbrush if necessary.
There are many different ways to brush your teeth. Two well-known methods for doing it correctly are either using a back-and-forth motion or circular movements. Here is our guide to good tooth brushing: - Hold the toothbrush horizontally along the gum line so that the bristles are in contact with the gums. - The brush should be held at an angle, pointing towards the gum line. - Move the brush back and forth in either a back-and-forth or circular motion on each tooth. - The bristles of the toothbrush should stay in the same spot as you move back and forth. If it hurts, you are brushing too hard. - Remember to brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth, which is the top of the tooth. Then continue to the outside towards the cheek and the inside towards the tongue/palate. - Finish by brushing the inside of your front teeth in both jaws. You can do this best by holding the toothbrush vertically. Good luck with your tooth brushing!
It is not dangerous to use toothpaste with fluoride, as the amount of fluoride is relatively small. The recommended dosage is 1000-1500 ppm twice daily—this dosage will be indicated on the toothpaste label. Research clearly shows that fluoride toothpaste is effective and is a simple, safe, and beneficial investment for dental health. As long as the toothpaste contains the recommended fluoride dosage, you can use whichever toothpaste you prefer.