The basis of tooth cleaning is brushing the teeth. While brushing teeth, we get support from toothpastes. Sometimes tooth brushing can make a person nauseous. In these cases, it may be recommended to brush the teeth without toothpaste.

Keeping teeth clean 

Teeth are organs that play an important role in our communication with the outside world as well as eating, drinking and speaking functions. Dirty, rotten, infected teeth and gums not only damage our physical health, but also affect our social and psychological health.

Tooth cleaning cannot be achieved by going to the dentist in some periods and whitening. Things to do for an effective teeth cleaning are as follows:

  • Brushing teeth properly with a suitable toothbrush,
  • Use of dental floss or an interface brush in addition to brushing,
  • Regular dental check-up.

Brushing teeth 

In order to keep our teeth, gums and oral structures healthy, to prevent cavities, gum diseases, tooth loss, to eliminate bad breath, and to have a healthy and beautiful smile, it is necessary to brush the teeth and tongue with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. It is the most basic approach to dental care. Tooth brushing, especially at night, is essential to prevent plaque development and decay on the teeth.



Food and drinks, especially sugary foods, stick to the teeth in the form of a thin layer. These areas are ideal areas for bacterial accumulation. Over time, dental plaques and calculus form here, the color of the teeth turns yellow, gum diseases, and teeth are wobbly. If not intervened early, it results in tooth loss.

All of these can be avoided with tooth brushing.

Should I use an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush? 

It doesn’t matter if the toothbrush is manual or electric. Both clean tooth surfaces when used properly. However, some prefer electric toothbrushes for ease of use. Due to the small and round head of the electric toothbrushes, it is possible to easily enter many areas in the oral cavity. There are also some publications stating that it bleeds less and damages the gums less than manual toothbrushes. However, all toothbrushes with appropriate softness that clean the tooth surfaces and prevent the formation of plaque are suitable for use.

What should I consider when choosing a toothbrush? 

It will be healthier to choose a toothbrush according to your dentist’s recommendation rather than advertisements. Your dentist will recommend the most suitable toothbrush for you, taking into account your oral care, tooth structure, and the condition of your gums. On the other hand, after trying a few brushes, you will have experience in choosing the most suitable brush for yourself.

A few points to consider when choosing a toothbrush can be summarized as follows:

  • The best toothbrushes for cleaning your teeth and gums are those with soft, rounded or polished bristles. Firm or hard toothbrushes can damage your gum tissues.
  • Choosing brushes with a certain thickness and softness instead of very thin-handled brushes will provide ease of movement in the mouth.
  • The size and shape of the toothbrush should be suitable for your mouth structure and should reach every tooth.
  • It is best for children to start brushing teeth at an early age. The main reason for brushing teeth at a young age is to gain the habit of brushing teeth. Soft toothbrushes with small heads, suitable for the child’s mouth structure, should be preferred. Hard toothbrushes are not suitable for use as they will erode the teeth. It will be sufficient to ensure that children brush their teeth for three minutes after breakfast and before going to bed at night. It is beneficial for parents to brush their teeth with their children, for children to learn to brush their teeth and make it a habit.
  • Whether the toothbrush can be angled or not, whether the handle is angled or not, is related to the user’s preference. The important thing is that the back parts of the teeth can be easily accessed.
  • The toothbrush should be replaced at least every 6 months or when the bristles of the brush are bent. Toothbrushes collect bacteria. Toothbrushes that are used for a long time release bacteria on the tooth surface or between the teeth. In this case, the teeth will be damaged more by brushing.
  • In addition to brushing teeth, brushing the tongue is also important. For this reason, toothbrushes produced in a way that can help brushing the tongue can be preferred.

What should I consider when choosing toothpaste? 

The basis of tooth cleaning is brushing the teeth. While brushing teeth, we get support from toothpastes. Sometimes tooth brushing can make a person nauseous. In these cases, it may be recommended to brush the teeth without toothpaste.

Toothpaste should contain an appropriate amount of fluoride. Fluoride tooth cleaning is necessary for gum health. The fluoride content of the toothpaste is given in detail on its packaging.

For children, toothpaste in the form of a swab at first, and in later ages, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is sufficient. From the age of 6, fluoride toothpaste can be used as much as adults.



Support can be obtained from the dentist in the selection of toothpaste. Your dentist will assist you in choosing the right toothpaste for you and your child.

What should we pay attention to when brushing our teeth? 

  • Brush your teeth twice a day (necessarily at night)
  • It will be enough to apply a chickpea-sized toothpaste to the toothbrush,
  • Hold your toothbrush at an angle of 45 degrees with the brush tips facing your gums,
  • Clean all surfaces of all your teeth for about 2 minutes,
  • Brush the inner surfaces, outer surfaces and chewing surfaces of your teeth,
  • Brush your teeth gently with circular, oval movements without applying too much pressure,
  • To prevent tooth recession, start the toothbrush from the gum and pull upwards,
  • Use the brush in the upper parts of your teeth, which we call the chewing part, by moving the brush back and forth,
  • Clean the tongue surface after the teeth are cleaned,
  • When brushing is finished, spit out the toothpaste, if necessary, you can rinse your mouth with a small amount of water.
  • Help brushing teeth in children up to 6 years old.
  • In addition to brushing, use dental floss or an interface brush to clean the spaces between the teeth.
  • In addition to brushing your teeth, visit your dentist regularly. He will advise you about your missing or wrong applications in oral care, and if necessary, he will perform teeth cleaning and whitening.



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