How to Brush to Prevent Cavities

While most people brush their teeth every day, not all of them realize the proper way to brush to prevent cavities. The purpose of brushing your teeth is to remove bacteria, plaque and food debris that cause cavities. Cavities can occur anywhere on your teeth so that means you need to reach every surface of your teeth in order to prevent cavities.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Fluoride toothpaste
• Mouthwash

1. Get the right toothbrush and toothpaste. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are best. Fluoride is the most important ingredient in toothpaste and should not be overlooked.

2. Wet your toothbrush and apply a pea-sized dollop of toothpaste to it.

3. Start brushing with your upper molars, the farthest back teeth in your mouth. These teeth are the most prone to cavities because of their irregular biting surface.

4. Brush teeth in a back and forth motion and a rolling motion near the gum line.

5. Work your toothbrush around all sides of the teeth including the biting surface and the inside and outside areas.

6. Brush all of the back teeth first, making sure to pay attention to all surfaces.

7. Move onto the front teeth and brush in a back and forth motion. Smile broadly to move your lips out of the way. Brush the insides of the teeth as much as the outsides.

8. Take your time. It should take at least 2 minutes to brush your teeth properly.

9. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and food debris that can also contribute to cavities.

10. Spit out the remaining toothpaste.

11. Avoid rinsing your mouth with water after brushing your teeth to prevent fluoride from being washed off teeth before it has had a chance to work. If you must rinse, use a mouthwash with fluoride instead of water.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a stopwatch or a kitchen timer to make sure that you are brushing for the right amount of time. You may think you are brushing long enough, but it actually takes longer than it seems.
• Pay attention to brushing the gums along with your teeth. Brushing gums can help prevent gum disease. Brush gently, however, because gums are sensitive and can be damaged.
• Avoid toothbrushes that are labeled medium or hard-bristled. These are too harsh for your gums.
• Don't forget to brush the back side of your rear molars. You'll probably have to take the toothbrush to the corners of your mouth to reach them properly.
• Avoid eating or drinking after brushing your teeth for a half hour to allow fluoride to stay on your teeth as long as possible.

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