--- title: "How to Brush - Encino Dentistry" description: "If you're like most people, you probably learned how to brush as a child… and the chances are, you haven't thought about it much since then. That's" language: "en-US" canonical_url: "https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/blog/how-to-brush-your-teeth/" source_url: "https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/blog/how-to-brush-your-teeth/" content_type: "text/markdown" --- March 1, 2020 by [Dr. Sherry Zadeh](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/author/admin/) # How to Brush ![Dental Hygiene - How to Brush](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/gingivitis_treatment_encino_dentist-1024x1024.jpg)Importance of Dental Hygiene If you’re like most people, you probably learned how to brush as a child… and the chances are, you haven’t thought about it much since then. That’s understandable — but there may come a point in our life when we find our oral hygiene techniques could use improvement. Here are a few tips on the proper way to brush your teeth… plus, a reminder of why we have to do it. **First, the reasons why:** Brushing is an effective way to remove plaque — a sticky, bacteria-laden biofilm that clings stubbornly to your teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce acids, which erode the tooth’s enamel and may lead to tooth decay. Plaque can also cause gum disease and bad breath. In fact, it’s believed that over 90% of dental disease is caused by plaque accumulation alone. Besides removing plaque, the fluoride in toothpaste strengthens tooth enamel and makes teeth more decay-resistant. Plus, brushing makes your mouth feel cleaner and your breath smell fresher. While there is no single “right” way to brush your teeth, there are a number of techniques that can help you get them sparkly-clean. So why wait — let’s take a refresh and relearn our brushing methods right now! ## Proper Brushing Technique - To begin, select a small-headed, soft-bristled toothbrush, grasp it gently with your fingers (not your fist), and squeeze on a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste. - Hold the bristles gently against the outside of your top teeth, near the gum line, at about a 45-degree angle upward. - Sweep the brush gently back and forth over teeth and gums in soft strokes — or, if you prefer, use an elliptical (circular) motion to clean the teeth. - Be sure to clean the spaces between teeth: You can use a sweeping motion to brush food particles away from the gums. - When you have done one brush-width, move to the adjacent area of your teeth and repeat. Keep going until you have finished cleaning the outside of the whole top row of teeth. - Move to the bottom teeth. Repeat the procedure, tilting the brush down toward the gum line at about 45 degrees. Finish cleaning the outside of the bottom teeth. - Go on to the inside of the top teeth. Tilting the bristles up toward the gums, clean the inside of the top teeth with gentle but thorough strokes. - Move to the inside of the bottom teeth. Tilt the brush down and repeat the procedure - Now it’s time for the chewing surfaces: Holding the bristles flat against the molars, clean the ridges and valleys of the back teeth. Do this for all the top and bottom teeth - Finally, brush your tongue gently to remove bacteria and freshen breath [clear aligners](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/clear-aligners/) [Comprehensive Exam](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/comprehensive-exam/) [conservative veneers](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/conservative-veneers/) [Cosmetic Dentistry](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/cosmetic-dentistry/) [cosmetic dentistry Encino](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/cosmetic-dentistry-encino/) [cosmetic dentistry fees](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/cosmetic-dentistry-fees/) [cosmetic dentistry porcelain veneers](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/cosmetic-dentistry-porcelain-veneers/) [customized dental care](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/customized-dental-care/) [dental examination](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/dental-examination/) [Dental Hygiene](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/dental-hygiene/) [dental treatment costs](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/dental-treatment-costs/) [Dental Veneers](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/dental-veneers/) [Dentist](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/dentist/) [Dentist in Encino](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/dentist-in-encino/) [Digital Smile Design](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/digital-smile-design/) [Encino](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/encino/) [Encino Dental Cleaning](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/encino-dental-cleaning/) [Encino Dentist](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/encino-dentist/) [General Dentistry](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/general-dentistry/) [Invisalign](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/invisalign/) [natural-looking restorations](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/natural-looking-restorations/) [natural-looking veneers](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/natural-looking-veneers/) [natural aesthetic dentistry](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/natural-aesthetic-dentistry/) [natural dental aesthetics](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/natural-dental-aesthetics/) [Natural Smile](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/natural-smile/) [natural smile design](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/natural-smile-design/) [New Dentist](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/new-dentist/) [Oral Health](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/oral-health/) [Oral Hygiene](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/oral-hygiene/) [orthodontics](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/orthodontics/) [porcelain dental veneers](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/porcelain-dental-veneers/) [porcelain veneers](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/porcelain-veneers/) [porcelain veneers Encino](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/porcelain-veneers-encino/) [Preventive Dentistry](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/preventive-dentistry/) [Restorative Dentistry](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/restorative-dentistry/) [smile alignment](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/smile-alignment/) [smile design](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/smile-design/) [smile enhancement](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/smile-enhancement/) [Smile Makeover](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/smile-makeover/) [Tarzana dentist](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/tarzana-dentist/) [Teeth Cleaning](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/teeth-cleaning/) [Top Dentist](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/top-dentist/) [veneer longevity](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/veneer-longevity/) [Veneers](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/veneers/) [Whitinning](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/tag/whitinning/) ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/15a573a33c3e513c6e2aec5a1105dbe6bacc74d23e3f61839db8c2d290f8f071?s=48&d=mm&r=g) #### About Dr. Sherry Zadeh Dr. Zadeh is a leading cosmetic and general dentist in Encino, CA. Dr. Zadeh has enjoyed employing her advanced training to help patients improve their quality of life. Dr. Shermineh Zadeh is dedicated to creating a gentle dental experience while using the latest technology. She also focuses on patient comfort and making sure patients are completely satisfied with the care they receive. [ ## Looking for the best dentist in Encino, CA? Your journey to a healthier, more radiant smile begins with a single visit. Schedule your appointment today and see why our patients trust Encino Dentistry as the best dentist in Encino for exceptional, gentle care. ** ](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/request-an-appointment/) [Encino Dentistry is a premier general, cosmetic, and implant dental practice located on Ventura Boulevard in Encino, California. Led by Dr. Shermineh Zadeh, the clinic serves patients throughout the San Fernando Valley with a strong focus on advanced dental technology, patient comfort, and personalized, gentle care.](https://tmk05ng05zc1jw8.onstatic.studio/about-us/)