Look to see if your toothbrush has splayed bristles within a few weeks of buying a new one. Additionally, if your teeth feel sensitive, this can be an indication that you are brushing too hard.
An effective way to brush for healthier gums is the modified bass technique. This method involves holding a toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline and using gentle circular motions to remove the plaque without damaging the gum tissue. Angling your brush into the gumline is crucial for removing the trapped bacteria underneath. Secondly, we recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush because hard and medium-bristle toothbrushes can cause gum recession. In fact, studies support that soft-bristle toothbrushes tend to cause less abrasion wear with increasing brush force than medium-bristle toothbrushes [1] (Hamza et al., 2021). Below are our recommendations for your brushing routine here at Enamel Dentistry, The Grove.
Our team at Enamel Dentistry, the Grove, has created a step-by-step guide for how to hold your toothbrush:
Many patients believe that the harder you brush, the better their teeth cleaning will be. This is a myth. Plaque is soft and can be removed with a cloth. Tartar is hard and requires professional scalers to remove. Here are some signs that you are brushing too hard. If your new toothbrush flattens or has splayed bristles after just 3-4 weeks of brushing, you are likely using too much pressure. If your teeth look longer than they used to or if you see the yellow root surface, this can be a sign of gum recession. When you are drinking cold or hot beverages, and you start to feel “zingers”, this is a sign of tooth sensitivity and indicates that the enamel has been worn down near the gumline.
The most common error when brushing is using hard-bristle toothbrushes. Be sure to choose soft or extra soft bristles since medium and hard bristles can cause abrasion to the tooth’s enamel. Avoid the “sawing method” when brushing. In other words, think of it like the back-and-forth traffic on Mopac: inefficient, stressful, and damaging. Using long horizontal back-and-forth strokes can wear grooves into your teeth and lead to recession over time. Stick to simple calculated circles to get the most out of your toothbrush. Additionally, give your tongue a gentle sweep every time you brush to reduce bad breath. It has been shown that more than 90% of cases with halitosis originate from the oral cavity [2] (Lee et al., 2004). Together, these common mistakes highlight that technique is a simple yet highly effective skill in maintaining fresh breath and overall hygiene.
Below is a table that compares manual, electric, and aggressive scrubbing
Feature | Soft Manual brush | Electric toothbrush | Aggressive Brushing |
Gum safety | High | Highest | Low |
Plaque removal | Moderate | High | Moderate |
Cost | Low | Medium | High |
Ease of use | Hard | Easy | Easy |
Recession risk | Low | Very Low | High |
The inner surface of the front teeth is where we see the most tartar buildup in patients here at Enamel Dentistry, the Grove. Since the dental arch is curved, horizontal brushing simply bridges the curve and misses most of the tooth. To clean the inner surfaces better, tilt the brush vertically and use the top half of the toothbrush on the teeth. Make several up and down strokes for each tooth before moving on to the next. Ensure that the bristles are massaging the gum tissue behind the teeth to avoid complications such as gum disease.
Many people brush their teeth in a sawing motion, moving back and forth horizontally. While this cleans the surfaces of the teeth, the most critical areas are often missed. The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that people place the toothbrush against the gumline at a 45-degree angle to remove plaque from the gingival margin [3] (American Dental Association). By tilting the toothbrush to a 45-degree angle toward the gumline, the bristles can reach slightly under the gums. This is where plaque bacteria like to hide and cause localized inflammation.
Look to see if your toothbrush has splayed bristles within a few weeks of buying a new one. Additionally, if your teeth feel sensitive, this can be an indication that you are brushing too hard.
Skipping your nightly brushing or brushing for less than 2 minutes. Also, ignoring the tongue, where most of the bacteria for bad breath come from.
Yes, studies show that electric toothbrushes can reduce plaque more efficiently.
Dr. Hardik Chodavadia, DDS, provides comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry at Enamel Dentistry in Austin, TX. With extensive clinical experience, he specializes in preventive care, gum health, restorative dentistry, and minimally invasive aesthetic treatments. He is committed to delivering safe, evidence-based solutions that keep patients comfortable and informed at every step.
[1] Hamza, B., Tanner, M., Körner, P., Attin, T., & Wegehaupt, F. J. (2021). Effect of toothbrush bristle stiffness and toothbrushing force on the abrasive dentine wear. International journal of dental hygiene, 19(4), 355–359. https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.12536
[2] Lee, P. P., Mak, W. Y., & Newsome, P. (2004). The aetiology and treatment of oral halitosis: an update. Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi, 10(6), 414–418.
[3] American Dental Association. “Toothbrushes.” Www.ada.org, 7 Oct. 2022, www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes.
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