How to Brush Your Teeth Properly: What I Learnt at iTOP
Last weekend I went to an iTOP (individually trained Oral Prophylaxis) CPD course. Even after years in the chair, it was a great reminder that how you brush matters just as much as how often, and far more than how hard.
Most of us were never actually taught to brush. We just picked it up. So here's the technique, plus a short video showing it step by step.
A step-by-step guide to the gentle brushing technique: soft brush, light pen grip, 45° angle to the gumline and small circles. Video: Curaprox.
Why technique matters
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that builds up every day. If it's left behind, it can lead to decay, gum inflammation and tartar, which only a professional clean can remove. It also takes the shine off your smile and helps surface stains stick.
The two most common mistakes
Rushing. A quick scrub across the front teeth feels clean, but it misses the gumline, the inside surfaces and the back molars, which are exactly where plaque collects.
Brushing too hard. Firm bristles and heavy pressure don't clean better. Over time they can wear enamel and push gums back, and they often skip the small groove where tooth meets gum.
The gentle technique
• Use a soft brush with lots of fine bristles
• Hold it like a pen to keep your pressure light
• Angle the bristles at 45° toward the gumline, half on gum and half on tooth
• Use small, gentle circles, more like a massage than a scrub
• Start with the inside surfaces and back teeth, then follow the same path every time
• Take your time, about two minutes, twice a day
The same principles apply if you use an electric brush: keep it angled to the gumline and let it do the work.
Don't forget in between
Your toothbrush can't reach between your teeth. Interdental brushes are the easiest option for most people. Use them once a day with one gentle in-and-out per space. They should fit snugly without forcing, so ask me at your next visit and I'll help you find your sizes.
Read next: Electric vs Manual Toothbrushes: What Actually Moves the Needle
[Book a scale & clean]
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for personalised advice. Everyone's mouth is different, so book in for a consultation to find out what's right for you.