Proper Teeth Brushing Technique: Correcting Bad Brushing Habits | Philips Sonicare

Proper teeth brushing technique: Correcting bad brushing habits

Sure, cavities and gingivitis will result from a lack of proper brushing your teeth, but there are some issues that can be caused by improper bushing technique (no matter how diligent you may be).

Here are 3 key rules for brushing your teeth safely and completely:

Rule 1: Do not scrub!

You’ve probably been using the scrubbing method your whole life, and this is a hard habit to kick. Aggressive scrubbing, though, can cause uncomfortable gum irritation and even permanent damage. Instead, use a short, soft back and forth motion, letting the bristles do most of the work for you.

Rule 2: Less pressure actually cleans better.

This may seem counterintuitive, but mashing the brush head against your teeth and gums prevents the bristles from sweeping away the plaque in between your teeth, causing more plaque to build up.

*Tip: While brushing, try holding your toothbrush with just your fingertips. This will help eliminate that impulse to press too hard. 

Rule 3: Brush for at least 2 full minutes.

On average, people only brush their teeth for 45-70 seconds. This is not enough time to successfully cover all areas of your mouth. Lack of coverage means that plaque has the time and space to build up, especially in consistently missed areas. Use a timer if you’re unable to keep track — 2 minutes is the magic number.