Toggle navigation
Kent City Dental Center
52 S Main St # A Kent City, MI 49330(616) 678-4040

Request an Appointment

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

Brushing

Online Dental Education Library

Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.

Brushing is the most effective method for removing harmful plaque from your teeth and gums. Getting the debris off your teeth and gums in a timely manner prevents bacteria in the food you eat from turning into harmful, cavity causing acids.

Most dentists agree that brushing three times a day is the minimum; if you use a fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed at night, you can get away without using toothpaste during the middle of the day. A simple brushing with plain water or rinsing your mouth with water for 30 seconds after lunch will generally do the job.

Brushing techniques

Since everyone's teeth are different, see me first before choosing a brushing technique. Here are some popular techniques that work:

  • Use a circular motion to brush only two or three teeth at a time, gradually covering the entire mouth.
  • Place your toothbrush next to your teeth at a 45-degree angle and gently brush in a circular motion, not up and down. This kind of motion wears down your tooth structure and can lead to receding gums, or expose the root of your tooth. You should brush all surfaces of your teeth - front, back, top, and between other teeth, rocking the brush back and forth gently to remove any plaque growing under the gum.
  • Don't forget the other surfaces of your mouth that are covered in bacteria - including the gums, the roof and floor of your mouth, and most importantly, your tongue. Brushing your tongue not only removes trapped bacteria and other disease-causing germs, but it also freshens your breath.
  • Remember to replace your brush when the bristles begin to spread because a worn toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth.
  • Effective brushing usually takes about three minutes. Believe it or not, studies have shown that most people rush during tooth brushing.

Michael T Watkins

Dr. Watkins attended the University of Michigan and graduated from the School of Dentistry in 1987. He practiced in the Kalamazoo area for three years before relocating to Kent City in June of 1990.

Read more about
Michael T Watkins

Our Location

Michael T. Watkins, DDS
52 S Main St # A
Kent City, MI 49330

(616) 678-4040

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday:8:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday:8:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday:8:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday:8:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday:Closed
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Dental Web Design Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Section 1557 ACA
  • Site Map