Toothbrushing Technique

While the saying in real estate is "location, location, location" the saying for toothbrushing is "technique, technique, technique".  Aim the bristles at a  45° angle at the gumline and use short vertical or circular strokes (not horizontal), like you're doing one or two teeth at a time, getting the chewing surfaces, and outer and inner tooth surfaces.  Brush your tongue, or scrape it, to lower the overall bacterial population in your mouth.  Most people start in the same place every time they brush.  The first area gets the most attention and then successive areas get less and less.  So, start in a different place each time so all areas get equal attention.  The hard to reach places are the most important, even though they may be the most difficult to access.   

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309