How to Use a Manual Toothbrush Correctly

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene doesn’t require fancy gadgets — a well-chosen manual toothbrush and the right technique can go a long way toward keeping your gums healthy and your teeth strong.

Manual Tooth Brushing Techniques - Bayswater Dental Clinic

Choosing the Right Manual Toothbrush

Opt for a small-headed brush with medium firmness and a grip that’s easy to hold.
These features help you place the brush accurately at the gum line and give you control over pressure.

Brushing Technique That Protects Your Gums

Position the bristles so they touch both the tooth and the gum margin.
Use very short “wiggling” movements along the neck of each tooth — these dislodge plaque in tricky areas where gums meet teeth.
Keep strokes small and gentle; avoid scrubbing too hard.
Move systematically across all surfaces — outer, inner, and chewing faces of each tooth.
A “pen-grip” style hold can help prevent applying excessive force.

Get Expert Guidance

The Modified Bass technique is a gold standard for protecting gums while removing plaque effectively. A dental hygienist at Bayswater Dental Clinic can demonstrate this method and help you adapt it to your own mouth.

Book a hygiene appointment with us today — we’ll guide you through the best brushing practices, tailored to your needs and smile.