Woman brushing teeth, looking in mirror

Proper Brushing Technique

We all know brushing your teeth is important, but many people do not brush their teeth long enough or with the proper technique.

To get the maximum benefit and best results from brushing your teeth, follow these simple steps:

For a manual toothbrush

  • Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gumline
  • Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, include the inside, outside, and flat surfaces
    • To access the back sides of your teeth that are harder to reach, the ADA recommends tilting your toothbrush vertically and moving it up and down several times

For an electric toothbrush

  • Make sure the brush head is securely attached to the handle
  • Place the brush head in your mouth before activating the brush
  • Choose the speed and brushing action you wish to use
  • Use light pressure focusing on one tooth at a time
  • Move around the mouth systematically making sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth
    • For inside the lower front teeth it may be easier to hold the brush head vertically to better clean the tooth surface

All toothbrushes

  • Make sure to brush all 4 quadrants equally for a total of 2 minutes
  • Always brush your tongue to get rid of bacteria and freshen your breath

For a superior clean, upgrade from a manual toothbrush to an electric toothbrush. With the Waterpik Complete Care, you can customize your clean and take total control of your oral healthcare. We offer sonic style and oscillating style toothbrushes in our Complete Care line, so no matter the type of toothbrush you prefer, there is something for everyone.