The Brush To Use Hard bristles were once recommended but
are now thought to be too abrasive to the teeth and gums. We now suggest
a soft, rounded-end nylon bristle brush. Be sure to discard brushes
when the bristles are bent or frayed or approximately every three to four
months.
How To Brush Begin by placing the head of the brush
beside your teeth, with the bristles angled against the gum line (where
the teeth and gums meet ). Think of the brush as both a toothbrush and
a gum brush. With the bristles contacting both tooth and gum, move the
brush back and forth several times across each tooth individually.
Use a short stroke and a gentle scrubbing motion, as if the goal were
to massage the gum. Don't try to force the bristles under the gum line;
that will happen naturally, especially with a brush that has soft, flexible
bristles.
Brush the outer surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. Then use the same
short back-and-forth strokes on the inside surfaces. Try to concentrate
harder on the inside surfaces; studies show they're more often neglected.
For the upper and lower front teeth, brush the inside surfaces by using
the brush vertically and making several gentle up--and-down strokes over
the teeth and gums.
Finish up by lightly scrubbing the chewing surfaces of the upper and lower
teeth. You should also brush your tongue for a fresher breath.
