What kind of toothbrush should I use?

Any ADA approved toothbrush with soft bristles that is comfortable to you. We also recommend the use of electric toothbrushes, which do a better job of plaque removal. However, with proper technique you can also achieve good results using a manual toothbrush.

What is the best way to remove plaque?

Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gums, and move it in a small, gentle circular motion along your gumline. Continue this technique until you have cleaned your entire mouth. Teeth that are moderately crowded may require extra attention to make sure you are adequately cleaning the gumline. For these teeth, hold the toothbrush vertically and gently move the bristles along the gums. You may also need to hold the toothbrush vertically to clean the back side of your front teeth, both on the top and bottom. Because plaque begins to form 4 to 12 hours after brushing, it is important to brush at least twice a day.