WatchProper Brushing Technique

Brushing your teeth properly: a short visual walkthrough

Plenty of patients at Brammeier Dental of Naperville are surprised to learn they've been brushing at the wrong angle, with the wrong motion, or for far less time than they assumed. Technique, it turns out, matters just as much as frequency, so brushing twice a day is only half the equation. In under a minute, this short video shows the correct approach.

Any plaque you leave behind starts releasing acid right away, wearing down enamel and irritating gums, so the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces deserve as much attention as the visible front of your teeth. The technique itself comes down to a few details: tilt the bristles to a 45-degree angle toward the gumline, use small circular sweeping motions, and clean just one or two teeth at a time.

Even a flawless home routine leaves some plaque behind, which is exactly why regular checkups and cleanings are essential: a professional cleaning lifts away the hardened tartar that brushing alone can't touch. At home, aim for a full two minutes every morning and night, and make flossing part of the routine.

Bleeding gums when you brush, or any uncertainty about the right brush or technique for you, are worth raising at your next visit. Dr. Brammeier and our hygiene team are glad to demonstrate one-on-one.

Read the video transcript