Reliable Insight from NYC Periodontist Dr. Scott Kissel
Brushing your teeth is second nature, but is your routine doing enough to protect your smile? Research shows the average person misses up to 40% of their tooth surfaces while brushing, leaving behind plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
At NYC Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Scott Kissel helps patients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, New Jersey, and surrounding areas learn how to get the most out of their daily routine. A healthy smile starts with the basics, and brushing better is one of the easiest ways to protect your teeth and gums for life. The ADA recommends following specific guidelines for brushing teeth properly to maintain optimal oral hygiene. Maintaining good dental health is essential not only for your mouth but also for your overall well-being.
If you’re ready to explore your dental treatment options, schedule a consultation with our New York City periodontist by calling 212-702-9088. Consulting a dentist is important for personalized advice on your own dental health.
Why So Many People Miss Spots While Brushing
Even if you’re brushing twice a day, there’s a good chance you’re not reaching every surface of every tooth. Some of the most commonly neglected areas include:
- Back molars, especially behind the last tooth
- Gumline and just beneath it
- Inner/inside surfaces of lower front teeth
- Tongue-side surfaces of upper molars
These hard-to-reach spots are where plaque tends to build up first. Over time, that missed plaque can harden into tartar, inflame your gums, and set the stage for periodontal disease.
What Happens When Plaque Is Left Behind?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that feeds on sugars in your diet and produces acids that wear down tooth enamel. When not properly removed, it can cause:
- Cavities between teeth
- Bleeding, swollen gums
- Gingivitis and gum recession
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Bone loss around the teeth
- Tooth loss in advanced cases
Plaque buildup can damage gum tissue, leading to inflammation, infection, and other oral health issues. Keeping gum tissue healthy is essential for maintaining overall oral health.
As a trusted periodontist near Brooklyn, Dr. Kissel specializes in preventing and treating these conditions, starting with better brushing habits.
How to Brush More Effectively (Without Brushing Harder)
The good news? You don’t have to brush longer or harder—just smarter. Proper brushing and using the proper brushing technique are essential for effective oral hygiene. Here’s what Dr. Kissel, our Manhattan periodontist, recommends to make sure you’re covering all surfaces:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging enamel or gums
- Brush for two full minutes, twice a day—set a timer if needed
- Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline
- Use gentle, circular motions and short strokes, not aggressive back-and-forth strokes
- Brush all surfaces: front, back, top (chewing), and gumline
- Don’t forget your tongue, where bacteria often linger
- Make sure your teeth brushing is done carefully to ensure you are brushing your teeth properly
If you have dexterity challenges or tend to rush, an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor and built-in timer can make a big difference. If you’re noticing any deeper issues with your smile or gums, our periodontist near you is here to help!
Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Smile
The right tools can make all the difference in keeping your smile healthy and bright. When choosing a toothbrush, opt for one with a small head and an angled arrangement of soft bristles—this design helps you reach all the surfaces of your teeth, including those tricky spots in the back.
An electric toothbrush can be especially effective at removing plaque and bacteria, but a manual toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance is also a great choice. Don’t forget to select a fluoride toothpaste with the right concentration of fluoride to help prevent tooth decay and strengthen your enamel.
The American Dental Association recommends using products with the ADA Seal, so you know your toothbrush and toothpaste meet high standards for safety and effectiveness. With the right equipment, you’ll be better equipped to keep your teeth clean and your oral health on track.
Why Professional Dental Cleanings Still Matter
Even with perfect technique, brushing and flossing at home can’t remove hardened tartar or detect early signs of gum disease. That’s why routine cleanings and exams every six months—or more frequently if you’re at higher risk—are key, and it’s important to visit a dental hygienist regularly for optimal dental care. Even thoroughly brushed teeth can still have tartar buildup that only a professional can remove.
At NYC Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, our team uses advanced diagnostic tools like perioscope treatment and periodontal mapping to detect trouble early and provide personalized care to keep your smile on track.
Brushing Tips for Specific Needs
If you’ve had cosmetic or restorative work or suffer from gum disease, brushing thoroughly is even more important. Most adults benefit from following these recommendations. Consider:
- Interdental brushes or floss picks for bridges or dental implants
- Water flossers to flush bacteria from the gum line and deep gum pockets
- Prescription-strength rinses or toothpaste if you’re prone to decay or inflammation
- Manual toothbrushes are a good option for many people, especially when chosen based on comfort and effectiveness
- Custom brushing guidance from our hygienists during your cleaning visit
Dr. Kissel tailors every patient’s hygiene plan based on their unique needs, including after gum surgery or implant placement. Selecting a good toothbrush that suits your specific needs is essential for optimal oral care.
Want a Cleaner Smile? Start with Smarter Brushing
Don’t let the simplicity of brushing fool you—it’s the foundation of your oral health. And if you’re missing nearly half of your chewing surfaces, it could be costing you more than you think.
A few small changes to your technique, such as choosing the right toothbrushes for your needs, paired with regular professional care, can make all the difference in preventing gum disease, decay, and costly dental procedures down the line. Whether you need advice on buying a soft-bristled brush, brushing outer surfaces and inner surfaces, or avoiding using excess toothpaste, we’re here to help!
Schedule Your Periodontal Visit in New York City Today
Whether it’s been six months or several years since your last cleaning, it’s never too late to take control of your oral health. At NYC Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we help patients build better habits and protect their smiles with precision, comfort, and care.Call our New York periodontist at 212-702-9088 to schedule your cleaning and oral health evaluation today. We proudly serve patients throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and New Jersey—and we’re here to help you brush smarter, smile brighter, and feel more confident every day.
