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Prevention

Correct Brushing and Interdental Cleaning

A practical twice-daily routine using fluoride toothpaste, gentle gum-line brushing, and cleaning between teeth.

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Correct Brushing and Interdental Cleaning

A practical twice-daily routine using fluoride toothpaste, gentle gum-line brushing, and cleaning between teeth.

Overview

Plaque collects at the gum line and between teeth, where brushing alone may not reach. Use a soft brush, a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, and a gentle systematic technique. Spit after brushing and avoid rinsing immediately. Choose floss or an interdental brush that fits without force.

Key takeaways

  1. Brush for about two minutes twice daily, especially before bed.
  2. Angle soft bristles toward the gum line; hard scrubbing can damage gums.
  3. Clean between teeth daily with floss or correctly sized interdental brushes.
  4. Children need supervision and an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste.

What you can do

  1. 1Brush every surface in the same order so none are missed.
  2. 2Spit out toothpaste; do not swallow it or rinse repeatedly with water.
  3. 3Use floss for tight contacts and an interdental brush for open spaces.
  4. 4Replace a worn brush and clean removable appliances separately.

When to book a dentist

  1. !Gums keep bleeding after two weeks of gentle daily cleaning.
  2. !An interdental brush cannot pass without force or catches under dental work.
  3. !You have recession, loose teeth, braces, implants, or limited hand movement and need a personalised technique.

Not sure how urgent this is?

Use the D4Dent symptom checker for a quick triage path, or book a dentist if symptoms are persistent, painful, or worsening.