Patient Education

How to Brush Your Teeth

Step 1: Choose the Right Toothbrush

Select a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. A soft brush is firm enough to remove plaque, yet gentle enough to protect your teeth and gums from damage.

Step 2: Pick the Right Toothpaste

Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste for effective cleaning. For most people, any standard fluoride toothpaste works well, unless your dentist recommends a special formula. Popular options include
Colgate Total and Crest Multicare.

Step 3: Apply Proper Brushing Technique

Start at a specific location and work systematically around your mouth, ending where you began to ensure no area is missed. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and aim to brush for at least 2 minutes,
ideally 4 minutes.

Recommended Brushing Method

Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your teeth and gums.
Gently press so the bristles reach the space between the gum and teeth.
Use a few lateral strokes, then roll the brush downward to remove plaque.
Repeat 6 to 10 times for each section of 2-3 teeth.
On chewing surfaces, use short back-and-forth strokes to clean grooves and pits.
For the back side of front teeth, hold the brush vertically for better reach.
Spit out foam as needed, but continue brushing until all tooth surfaces are clean.

Step 4: Brushing Frequency

Ideally, brush after every meal. If that isn’t possible, brush at least twice daily — once after breakfast and once before bedtime.

How to Floss Your Teeth

Why Flossing is Important

The surfaces between your teeth cannot be reached by a toothbrush. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from these areas, preventing decay and gum disease. Ideally, floss after every meal, but at minimum, floss once daily before bedtime.

Step 1: Prepare Your Floss

Cut approximately 2 feet of dental floss. Wrap the ends around your middle fingers, leaving a small section to work with using your index fingers and thumbs.

Step 2: Floss Between Teeth

Gently glide the floss between two teeth, avoiding cutting or injuring your gums.
Press the floss against one side of a tooth and move it up and down to clean the surface.
Repeat for the adjacent side of the other tooth, ensuring both surfaces are cleaned.
Move to the next pair of teeth and repeat the process until all spaces are flossed.

Tips for Effective Flossing

Use a gentle motion to avoid gum injury.
Floss all teeth, including the back molars, which are often missed.
Replace floss daily to maintain hygiene.

Electric Brush vs. Manual Brush

Multiple studies have compared manual toothbrushes with electric ones. While both can clean teeth effectively, electric brushes generally perform better at controlling plaque.

Manual brushes: Effective if used with proper technique, but require effort and consistency.
Electric brushes: Easier and more efficient due to their movements, especially helpful for people with braces or gum disease.
Sonic brushes: Brands like Sonicare produce vibrations that cannot be mimicked with manual brushing.
Small brush heads: Models like Oral-B and Rotadent make it easier to reach difficult areas of the mouth.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath can stem from several causes, most of which originate in the mouth. Some common sources include:

Tongue: Bacterial growth between the papilla.
Tooth cavities: Food particles trapped in decayed areas.
Gum disease: Infection and inflammation causing odor.
Healing extraction sites or unclean dentures.
Alcohol and tobacco: Both dry the mouth and worsen breath.

If you’re concerned about bad breath, the first step is a dental check-up. Your dentist can identify the root cause and provide treatment. Mouthwashes and mints only mask odor temporarily—and alcohol-based rinses may worsen the condition by drying the mouth.

Other Non-Dental Causes

Sore throat or tonsillitis
Certain foods
Infections of the air passages

The best prevention is good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

Dental Health and Your Diet

Sugar is the main cause of dental decay when bacteria are present. More than the amount of sugar, it is the frequency of consumption that matters most.

Sipping sodas or juices slowly: Constant exposure feeds bacteria continuously and accelerates decay.
Best practice: If you want sweets or soda, have them during meals or in one sitting rather than throughout the day.
Hidden sugars: Foods like bread and starchy snacks can break down into sugars and damage teeth.

How to Protect Your Teeth

Brush after consuming sugary foods or drinks.
Rinse with fluoride mouthwash.
Chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow.

While no foods can truly prevent decay, crunchy fruits and vegetables (like apples and carrots) may help clean teeth slightly but still contain sugar. Acidic foods (lemon, lime, grapefruit) can also erode enamel if consumed frequently.

Fluoride and Decay Prevention

Fluoride plays a critical role in preventing cavities. Decades of research show that children raised in areas with natural fluoride in the water have fewer cavities.

During tooth development: Fluoride integrates into enamel, making teeth stronger.
After eruption: Fluoride from toothpaste, rinses, and treatments strengthens enamel and lowers the risk of decay.
For children: If your area lacks fluoridated water, consult your dentist or physician about fluoride tablets.