Gentle technique reaches more than forceful scrubbing.

Use the right motion in the right place.

Brush twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Hold the bristles at roughly a 45-degree angle toward the gumline, use short gentle strokes, and clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.

Clean between the teeth once each day. Traditional floss works well when it wraps against the side of each tooth rather than snapping straight into the gums. Interdental brushes, pre-threaded flossers, or water flossers may be easier around dental work or for people with limited dexterity.

A practical brushing sequence

• Start in the same area each time so no section is skipped.
• Aim the bristles toward the gumline and move them in short, gentle strokes.
• Brush the cheek side, tongue side, and chewing surface of each tooth.
• Tilt the brush vertically for the inside surfaces of the front teeth.
• Spit out the toothpaste when finished and follow any fluoride instructions from your dentist.

A practical flossing sequence

• Guide the floss gently between two teeth without snapping it into the gums.
• Curve it into a C shape against one tooth and move it along the side of that tooth.
• Repeat against the neighboring tooth before moving to the next space.
• Ask about an alternative tool if floss catches, shreds, or is difficult to control.