Proper Brushing FAQs

Should your mouth be open or closed? Is it best to brush after lunch, after dinner, or both? Flat or at an angle? We brush our teeth several times per day (hopefully!), but who knew it was so complicated. Just grab a brush a get to it, right? Hey there, not so fast, my friend! There are actually some best practices to be mindful of.

The trick is cutting through the fat and finding out exactly what works. We live in a world of alternate facts, truthiness, and fancy 'how to' lists. Who knows what we're supposed to believe! But, fear not my brushing and flossing friends, because we’ve got you covered with this handy FAQ (frequently asked questions) guide. We've simplified the whole thing for you right here!

Proper Brushing Habits

Don’t: Keep your toothbrush flat.
Do: Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle.

Don’t: Brush with super long strokes.
Do: Take your time! No need to clean your whole mouth in one stroke. Brush using short, side to side strokes.

Don’t: Ram your toothbrush over your teeth and gums with the force of a giant. No need to be angry with your teeth, they love you!
Do: Use a gentle touch. This will help to prevent wear and tear on your enamel as well as recession of your gums.

Don’t: Brush just once a day.
Do: Brush two to three times a day. Especially after you eat or drink something acidic (like juice or soda).

Don’t: Become emotionally attached your toothbrush.
Do: Change it out every 3-4 months. A great tip: switch out on the first day of each new season.

Don’t: Follow the crowd – the average person only brushes their teeth for 45 seconds
Do: Brush your teeth for a full 2 minutes. A helpful trick: divide your mouth into four sections. Then, sing the alphabet while brushing each section, switching sections when you hit the letter Z!

Don’t: Store your toothbrush in a closed container.
Do: Keep your toothbrush in a place where it is allowed to air dry.

Don’t: Purchase a toothbrush with medium or hard bristles.
Do: Always get a SOFT-bristled toothbrush. Soft bristles are much better for your enamel, and much kinder to your gums.

So, there you have it! Remember: Brushing is only 4-6 minutes out of your day, so start singing your ABC's and keep on brushin!!!