Are You Brushing Your Teeth Correctly?
Brushing your teeth is one of the most basic and essential parts of your oral hygiene routine—but are you doing it correctly?
At Ultratooth Utah Implant Center, Dan W. Dansie DDS often sees patients who brush daily but still struggle with cavities, enamel wear, and gum inflammation. The reason? Poor brushing technique. Whether you’re wearing braces, considering dental implants, or just want to maintain a healthier smile, learning how to brush your teeth properly makes a significant difference.
This guide breaks down the right way to brush your teeth, how to avoid common mistakes, and what tools and tips can help improve your results.
Why Proper Brushing Technique Matters
Each time you eat or drink, plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—forms on your teeth and gums. If not effectively removed, plaque can lead to:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
- Tartar buildup
- Bad breath
- Tooth loss
Brushing regularly is important, but brushing correctly is critical. Rushed or sloppy brushing can leave key areas uncleaned, especially around the gumline, back molars, and dental work such as braces or implants.
Step-by-Step: How to Brush Your Teeth the Right Way
1. Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head to reach all areas of your mouth. Electric toothbrushes are an excellent option, especially for those with limited mobility, braces, or implants. If you have sensitive teeth, whitening concerns, or other specific needs, talk to your dentist for a recommendation. If you would like to meet with Dr Dan W. Dansie we would love to help you setup an appointment to come into the Ultratooth Utah Office here in Pleasant Grove, Utah.
2. Brush Twice a Day for Two Full Minutes
Brushing in the morning and again before bed is essential. Each session should last at least two minutes. Set a timer or use a toothbrush with a built-in timer to stay consistent.
3. Use Short, Gentle Strokes
Long, aggressive brushing can damage gum tissue and wear down enamel. Instead, use short, tooth-wide strokes in a gentle back-and-forth motion. Think of brushing as polishing—not scrubbing.
4. Angle Your Brush Correctly
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gumline. This position helps clean the area where your teeth meet your gums, where plaque tends to collect.
5. Clean Every Surface
- Outer surfaces: Gently brush the outside of each tooth, top and bottom.
- Inner surfaces: Angle your brush to reach the inside surfaces, especially near the front bottom teeth where plaque builds quickly.
- Chewing surfaces: Use firm but gentle strokes to clean the tops of molars and premolars.
- Tongue: Lightly brush your tongue to remove odor-causing bacteria and improve breath.
Tips for Brushing with Braces
Patients with braces need to be especially thorough. Brackets and wires create extra spaces where food particles and plaque can build up. Dr. Dansie recommends:
- Brushing after every meal to avoid buildup
- Using interdental brushes or floss threaders to reach between wires
- Focusing on brushing both above and below each bracket
- Considering an electric toothbrush with an orthodontic head
With braces, short strokes and attention to detail are key to avoiding white spots and decay.
Common Brushing Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-meaning brushers often fall into bad habits. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Brushing too hard: More pressure doesn’t mean cleaner teeth. Aggressive brushing wears down enamel and irritates gums.
- Skipping areas: Inner surfaces, gumlines, and the tongue are often missed.
- Using old brushes: Replace your toothbrush or brush head every 3–4 months.
- Rinsing immediately after brushing: Wait a few minutes before rinsing to allow fluoride from toothpaste to stay on your teeth longer.
- Brushing right after acidic foods or drinks: Give your mouth 30 minutes before brushing if you’ve had soda, citrus, or other acids to avoid damaging softened enamel.
Oral Hygiene Starts with Prevention
Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular professional cleanings, form the foundation of good oral health. When combined with a balanced diet low in sugar and high in vitamins and minerals, you’ll be supporting the long-term strength of your teeth and gums.
At Ultratooth Utah Implant Center, we take prevention seriously. Whether you’re preparing for a dental implant or just trying to maintain your natural teeth, we work with every patient to ensure their home hygiene routine is effective.
Serving Pleasant Grove and Surrounding Areas
Dan W. Dansie DDS proudly serves patients from Pleasant Grove, Lindon, Orem, American Fork, and other Utah County communities. Our clinic specializes in advanced tooth replacement options, including the revolutionary Ultratooth Immediate Implant, which allows for same-day functionality and aesthetics.
But even the most advanced dental care starts with everyday habits like brushing. That’s why we educate every patient on how to build strong routines that support long-lasting results.
Book an Appointment with Dr. Dansie Today
Whether you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, wearing braces, or simply want to improve your brushing technique, the team at Ultratooth Utah Implant Center is here to help you achieve optimal oral health.
For the fastest response, we encourage all patients to use the chat widget available on the bottom right every page of our website. A team member will assist you as soon as possible.
Prefer to speak with someone directly?
Call our office at (385) 526-5800 to schedule your appointment with Dan W. Dansie DDS in our Pleasant Grove, Utah Office.
