I Asked Dentists How to Brush Better—Here Are the 4 Tips That Changed My Routine

For a ritual we've all been doing for about as long as we can remember, most adults aren't brushing their teeth completely right. Even though the routine seems mostly intuitive at this point, there are different techniques for brushing your teeth that will help you maximize the health benefits.

Brushing your teeth isn't just to make your teeth whiter and your breath better—it is an active part of maintaining your oral health and overall health. When you brush your teeth the right way, you're not only helping stop tooth decay and gum disease, but you're also promoting healthy blood circulation and even fighting heart diseases linked to poor oral hygiene. We asked the experts for some tips on brushing your teeth the right way and got great advice for adopting a new-and-improved routine.

Meet Our Expert

• Dr. Mirissa Price, consumer advisor spokesperson for the American Dental Association

• Dr. Houston Symmes, dentist at Peace Haven Family Dentistry

Don't Rinse Immediately After Brushing

Though it may feel like muscle memory to immediately spit out your toothpaste and rinse your mouth with water after brushing, it's actually better to let the paste sit on your teeth for a few minutes.

"Because fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, leaving it on the teeth for at least 15 minutes after brushing can help make the enamel more resistant to cavity-inducing acids," says Dr. Price. "Not rinsing immediately can help the fluoride be even more effective."

Use Toothpaste With Fluoride

Though there are plenty of options for fluoride-free toothpaste, both of our experts recommend using a toothpaste with fluoride.

"It is important to use a toothpaste with fluoride, which is any toothpaste with the ADA Seal," Dr. Price says. "Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel."

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in sources of water and food that the ADA calls "nature's cavity fighter." According to the ADA, fluoride helps "rebuild weakened tooth enamel and reverses early signs of tooth decay." When you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, the fluoride is applied to the surface of your teeth, which provides a "topical benefit."

Wait to Brush After Eating Acidic Foods

Just finished up an early morning glass of orange juice or a late-night sour candy snack? It's best to hold off on brushing your teeth for a bit.

"Acids soften the tooth surface," Dr. Symmes says. "Enamel can weaken if you brush it after consuming acidic beverages and meals."

"Waiting for 30 minutes allows saliva to wash away the acids and the enamel to harden or re-mineralize," says Dr. Symmes. In the meantime, he recommends swishing water around your mouth to help neutralize the acids.

Related: Ask a Beauty Editor: Should You Brush Your Teeth Before or After Breakfast?

Brush at a 45-Degree Angle

If you're brushing your teeth straight-on, you might want to switch up your angle, according to our experts.

"When brushing, the toothbrush should be placed at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gently moved back and forth in short, tooth-wide, strokes," says Dr. Price. "This motion helps to clean the space where the tooth meets the gums, which is important because that is one of the areas where bacteria and debris tend to stick."

Dr. Symmes notes that this angle "effectively eliminates plaque but is easier on your teeth and gums."

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