Brushing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process. Brushing removes plaque from:

• the chewing surfaces
• the cheek and tongue sides of teeth
• at the gumline, where periodontal disease often begins

Most people tend to brush too hard so we strongly advise the use of a soft or electric toothbrush. It is also a good idea to change your toothbrush about every three months.

For the back teeth, hold the brush at a 45 degree angle in relation to the gumline (Step 1). Use short, circular strokes as you move the brush at the junction of the gums and teeth. Brush the chewing surfaces of these teeth by holding the brush parallel to the surface of the teeth and brushing back and forth.

For the tongue side of the front teeth, hold the brush so that the bristles at the top of the brush contact the gums at a 45 degree angle (Step 2). Again, use short, circular stokes to clean the teeth. For the cheek side, hold the brush from the side at a 45 degree angle and use short, circular strokes (Step 3).

You can also brush the surface of your tongue to remove the bacteria and debris that reside on the surface.

For flossing instructions, please see How to Floss.

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Dr. Marvin Fier is a family, general, implant, and cosmetic dentist welcoming new patients from Rockland, Bergen, Orange, Westchester, and Dutchess counties, and the Hudson Valley including Pomona, New City, Suffern, Piermont, Bardonia, Blauvelt, Congers, Garnerville, Monsey, Nanuet, Nyack, Orangeburg, Pearl River, Stony Point, Tallman, Tappan, Thiells, Valley Cottage, West Haverstraw, West Nyack, Haverstraw, Mahwah, and Ramsey. Dr. Fier provides restorative and cosmetic dentistry including teeth whitening, Lumineers, porcelain laminate veneers, dental implants, porcelain crowns, bridges, bonding, root canal therapy, gum disease, routine cleaning, dental exams, oral cancer screening, and tooth colored white fillings.