A Complete Guide to Proper Brushing Technique and Dental Care

In recent years, dentists have placed great emphasis on proper brushing techniques. This focus stems from published research highlighting the connection between tooth brushing and overall health, particularly heart health—findings that made global headlines and even revolutionized the oral care industry and its products.

Today, it’s widely known that oral diseases can lead to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues, and even preterm birth. That’s why proper brushing of the tongue and teeth is more than just a daily habit—it’s a medical necessity. The goal of this comprehensive guide by Dr. Ebadian is to provide you with the principles of effective and correct tooth brushing.

According to various studies on the correct brushing technique, people who maintain a 45-degree angle and use the proper brushing motion experience up to 27% less plaque and 20% less gum inflammation compared to others.

 

Step One: Choosing the Right Tools

Oral health begins with smart choices. If you've considered a toothbrush just a regular item up to now and assumed all toothbrushes are the same, it's time to reconsider. Contrary to popular belief, not all toothbrushes are alike, and selecting the right one plays a crucial role in proper brushing techniques for both children and adults.

Factors such as bristle firmness, brush head size, handle design and material, and even the technologies used in electric and advanced toothbrushes all affect performance.

This also applies to toothpaste and mouthwash. Choosing options with therapeutic benefits or specialized toothpastes formulated for specific needs can make a significant difference.

 

Toothbrush with Soft to Medium Bristles

Toothbrushes with soft or medium bristles are often the best option for most people because they apply minimal pressure to the enamel and gum tissue. In contrast, hard bristles and rough brush heads—especially when proper brushing technique isn’t followed—can lead to gum recession and enamel erosion.

 

Toothbrush with a Small Head and Ergonomic Design

The brush head should be appropriately sized. When you use toothbrushes with smaller heads, you’re more likely to reach the very back teeth (molars) and achieve more thorough oral hygiene.

 

 

Electric or Manual Toothbrush?

 Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes—particularly models with oscillating-rotating movements—are more effective at removing dental plaque than regular manual brushes. Today, these toothbrushes are considered the best option for children and the elderly, who may have difficulty applying proper brushing techniques.

 

Choosing the Best Toothpaste and Mouthwash

 Products available in the market for dental hygiene and eliminating oral pathogens are considered important adjuncts or therapeutic aids. Among these, fluoride is a key ingredient that experts regard as the most essential factor in protecting tooth enamel. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay, and using products containing a specific percentage of fluoride daily is crucial for oral health.

Although excessive fluoride intake in children can lead to fluorosis (white spots on the teeth), the proper dose is both safe and beneficial for children and adults alike.

Individuals dealing with specific issues such as tooth sensitivity, dental plaque, gum inflammation, or dry mouth should use specialized products, such as toothpaste containing potassium nitrate or xylitol, and pay close attention to the ingredients when choosing toothpaste and mouthwash.

Remember that antibacterial mouthwashes like chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride can reduce bacterial growth and effectively help treat gum inflammation. However, prolonged use of some mouthwashes without a doctor's recommendation may lead to side effects such as tooth discoloration.

 

 

Dental Floss and the Necessity of Using It

 Even the most expensive and advanced toothbrushes alone cannot clean the spaces between teeth. In contrast, daily use of dental floss—when done correctly—removes interdental plaque and prevents the formation of tartar and cavities.

For individuals with dental irregularities or tight spaces between teeth, thin or waxed dental floss is specifically designed and readily available on the market.

 

 

Step Two: Proper Brushing Technique

 Many patients complain during dental visits that, despite brushing regularly, they still suffer from tooth decay or even infections reaching the nerves and roots of their teeth. In most cases, the root of this problem lies in not following the proper brushing technique.

Therefore, in addition to the frequency of brushing, understanding and correctly applying the proper method is crucial for preventing oral diseases.

Dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day for 2 minutes each time to achieve optimal dental health. Numerous studies show that individuals who brush for less than 2 minutes remove only about 60% of plaque on average.

To better understand and follow this process, you can use a timed brushing technique—dividing the 2 minutes into four 30-second intervals for each quadrant of the mouth (upper right, lower right, upper left, lower left). Watching instructional videos on proper brushing methods from reputable sources can also help reinforce this habit.

• Important Note

Don’t forget that a key part of oral hygiene is maintaining tongue cleanliness. Practicing the proper tongue-brushing technique significantly helps reduce bad breath and eliminates bacteria that accumulate on the tongue's surface.

 

Standard Brushing Techniques

 As mentioned earlier, the importance of brushing is so great that it has transformed from a daily habit into a critical requirement for overall health. Therefore, it’s wise to adopt a scientific and effective technique to get the best results.

To do this, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line so the bristles touch both the teeth and gums. Then, using small circular motions (not horizontal or forceful strokes), remove plaque without damaging the surrounding tissues. During this process, be sure to clean both the outer and inner (back) surfaces of the teeth, and don’t skip cleaning the tongue.

The tongue’s surface harbors bacteria that are the main cause of bad breath. Using the tongue cleaner on the back of the brush head—or a separate tongue scraper—is an ideal solution.

To better understand the steps and correct improper habits, closely examine the image illustrating the proper brushing technique.

 

 

Proper Brushing Technique for Children

 The best way to ensure healthy teeth in adulthood is to build a strong foundation in childhood. Teaching children the correct way to brush their teeth lays the groundwork for forming healthy habits in the future. Below, we’ll walk you through the principles of children's tooth brushing and the key points to keep in mind.

 

When to Start Brushing in Children

 It may sound surprising, but experts recommend starting oral hygiene in infancy—even before the first baby teeth appear. At this stage, using a piece of sterile gauze or a soft finger toothbrush without toothpaste is sufficient to prevent bacteria and germs from entering the gums.

From around the age of 2, children can begin using special children's toothpaste, provided the amount used is no more than a grain of lentil per session.

Choosing a soft or extra-soft toothbrush with a small head and ergonomic handle is ideal for children. If your child resists brushing or needs extra motivation, try a kid-friendly electric toothbrush with a playful design, and consider using small rewards and encouragement to help build the habit.

 

Do's and Don'ts of Brushing for Children

 • Do not use adult toothpaste for children.
 • For children under 6 years, use toothpaste with 1000 ppm fluoride. For children over 6 years, toothpaste containing 1450–1500 ppm fluoride is recommended.
 • Children under 7 should brush their teeth under parental supervision.
 • Replace each toothbrush every 2 to 3 months at most.

 

 

How to Brush with Orthodontic Braces

 Those who have undergone orthodontic treatment are well aware of its limitations. The presence of braces on the teeth significantly increases the need for dental care, as orthodontic appliances trap plaque and food particles, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Orthodontists strongly recommend using a toothbrush specifically designed for braces during treatment. These brushes have relatively soft bristles and a center with varied grooves or a ring-shaped head that easily cleans around the orthodontic wires.

To properly brush during orthodontic treatment, start by angling the toothbrush at 45 degrees toward the gums and gently brush with short, circular motions. Then, clean over the brackets using light strokes.

An interdental brush—available at pharmacies and trusted stores—is the best tool for removing food particles from around the brackets. Thoroughly rinsing the mouth with mouthwash after brushing also helps prevent tooth decay.

 

How to Brush After Tooth Extraction

 If you’ve recently had a tooth extracted, you’ll need to make a slight adjustment to your brushing routine until the area fully heals. First and foremost, remember that maintaining oral hygiene during this time is especially important to prevent infection.

In the first 24 hours after extraction, avoid disturbing the area with your tongue, toothbrush, or food, and rinse your mouth with saline solution or diluted salt water to stay clean.

From the second day onward, resume proper brushing as usual, while gently and carefully cleaning near the extraction site without applying pressure. Use small, delicate strokes and avoid direct contact with the wound area to support the healing process.

If you notice unusual bleeding or persistent bad breath, be sure to visit your dentist. Otherwise, after about one week and once the wound has fully healed, you can resume normal brushing.

 

Best Time to Brush

Contrary to common belief, brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods like citrus fruits or soda is harmful. The acid in these foods weakens the enamel, and brushing right afterward can lead to enamel erosion. Therefore, it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes for your mouth's pH to return to normal and reduce the risk of damaging your enamel.

 

Common Brushing Mistakes

Brushing may have seemed like a routine, almost thoughtless task until now. But if you're committed to maintaining your dental health and want to adopt the correct brushing technique from now on, there are habits you need to break:

• Brushing with Excessive Force
  Contrary to popular belief, more pressure doesn’t mean cleaner teeth. In fact, brushing too hard can lead to gum recession, exposed roots, and increased tooth sensitivity.
• Horizontal Brushing Motion
  Using a back-and-forth (horizontal) motion across each row of teeth can damage enamel over time, create micro-cracks, and even lead to gum issues. Circular or up-and-down movements are the most effective and safest brushing motions.
• Using the Same Toothbrush for Too Long
  No matter the brand or model, you should replace your toothbrush every 3 months. Worn-out bristles lose their cleaning ability and may damage gums or even spread bacteria.
• Ignoring the Tongue and Gums
  It’s important to understand the role of proper tongue brushing. Oral hygiene doesn’t stop at the teeth—neglecting the gums and tongue can lead to inflammation and bad breath.

 

 

Practicing Proper Brushing Technique: An Investment in Overall Health

 While a beautiful and healthy smile is undoubtedly appealing, there are even more compelling reasons that highlight the importance of proper brushing techniques. Cardiovascular health, prevention of chronic diseases, and eliminating bad breath are just a few factors that make correct brushing methods all the more essential.

Starting today, by choosing the right oral care products, following scientifically backed techniques, and avoiding harmful brushing habits, you can protect your oral health and prevent more serious conditions—ensuring strong, healthy, and attractive teeth. Regular dental visits (at least twice a year) for check-ups and cleanings are also a vital part of complete oral care.