The Modified Bass method — recommended by the ADA for most adults.
Normal — what good looks like
The right way to brush
2 minutes, twice a day (30 seconds per quadrant)
Soft bristle brush at a 45° angle to the gumline
Short, gentle back-and-forth vibrations
Roll the brush away from the gums after vibrating
Don't forget the tongue — brush gently front to back
Replace your brush every 3-4 months
Broken — common mistakes
What goes wrong
Brushing too hard — causes gum recession and enamel wear
Using a hard or medium bristle brush
Horizontal scrubbing instead of angled vibrations
Brushing less than 2 minutes
Brushing right after eating acidic food (wait 30 min)
Fix — what to do
How to correct it
Switch to a soft bristle brush today
Use a timer — most phones have one
Angle toward the gumline, not flat against teeth
Consider an electric toothbrush — studies show 11-21% better plaque removal
After acidic food: rinse with water first, brush 30 min later
Flossing technique
Your toothbrush misses about 35% of tooth surfaces. Flossing reaches them.
Step 1
Cut 18 inches of floss
About the length of your forearm. Wind most around your middle fingers, leaving 1-2 inches to work with.
Step 2
Slide gently between teeth
Use a rocking motion — never snap down. That hurts your gums.
Step 3
Make a C-shape
Curve the floss around one tooth, hugging it. Slide up and down 2-3 times, going just below the gumline.
Step 4
Curve around the next tooth
In the same space, curve around the adjacent tooth and repeat. Use a fresh section of floss for each gap.
Alternatives that work
Can't floss? You have options.
Interdental brushes — even more effective than floss for larger gaps
Water flosser — 29% more effective at removing plaque than brushing alone
Floss picks — better than nothing, but can't make the C-shape
Gum health self-check
Look in the mirror. Compare what you see to the guide below.
Normal — healthy gums
What healthy looks like
Coral pink color (darker pigmentation is normal for darker skin)
Stippled texture — like the surface of an orange
Firm to touch, fits snugly around teeth
No bleeding when you brush or floss
Broken — gingivitis (reversible)
Warning signs you can fix
Red or deep pink gum edges
Puffy, swollen, smooth (lost their stippling)
Bleeding when brushing or flossing
Bad breath that doesn't go away
Good news: gingivitis is fully reversible in 7-14 days with proper care and a professional cleaning.
Serious — periodontitis
See a dentist soon
Gums pulling away from teeth
Loose or shifting teeth
Pus between teeth and gums
Changes in your bite
Periodontitis causes bone loss that can't be reversed — but progression can be stopped with treatment.
Fix — what to do right now
Start today
Don't stop brushing because of bleeding — gentle brushing helps it heal
Add daily flossing or interdental brushes
Schedule a professional cleaning
If you can't afford a dentist, tap Find Care below
Children's dental care
What your child needs at each stage. Baby teeth matter — they hold space for permanent teeth.
Ages 0–2: Foundation
First dental visit by age 1. Clean gums with a soft damp cloth before teeth erupt. At first tooth, start brushing with a soft infant brush and a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste. Never put your child to bed with milk, formula, or juice. Transition from bottle to cup by 12-14 months.
Ages 3–5: Building habits
Pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Parents should brush AND floss for children until age 7-8 (when they can tie their own shoes). Make it fun — let them choose their toothbrush color. Talk to your dentist about sealants on back teeth.
Ages 6–12: Mixed teeth
This age has the highest cavity rate (58%). Get sealants on permanent molars as they come in (~age 6 and ~age 12). Sealants reduce cavity risk by 80%. Children can start brushing independently around 7-8 but still need supervision. Mouthguards for sports.
Ages 13+: Teens
If your teen has braces, they need specialized brushing (interdental brushes, prescription fluoride rinse). Watch for sports/energy drink erosion — these are extremely acidic. Vaping damages oral tissue and promotes gum disease. Wisdom teeth monitoring starts around 16-17.
Quick risk check
Answer 6 questions to understand your oral health risk level. This is not a diagnosis — it's a starting point.
Find affordable dental care
You deserve dental care regardless of income or insurance. These are real programs serving Chicago.
Insurance program
Illinois Medicaid Dental
Covers exams, cleanings (2/year), X-rays, fillings, extractions, and dentures for eligible adults and children. Immigration status does not disqualify children through All Kids.
Comprehensive dental for children under 19 regardless of immigration status. Cleanings, sealants, fluoride, orthodontics for severe cases. Family income up to 318% FPL.