brushing your teeth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brushing your teeth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing dental hygiene or personal care routines. Example: "It's important to make a habit of brushing your teeth twice a day to maintain good oral health."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Brushing your teeth.

The New York Times - Sports

It's like brushing your teeth".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Brushing your teeth with a yogurt container?

The New York Times

Sick of brushing your teeth with coffee?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Next time you're brushing your teeth, march in place.

Harvard University

Please do turn off the tap when brushing your teeth!

Columbia University

It was like brushing your teeth, he said.

The New Yorker

Think of rust-preventative car washing like brushing your teeth.

The New York Times

You can challenge your balance while brushing your teeth".

The New York Times

After all, is brushing your teeth a pleasure-seeking behavior?

Forbes

When you're brushing your teeth, take a pause.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Make turning off the tap while "brushing your teeth" a conscious habit to conserve water.

Common error

Ensure you brush for at least two minutes, dedicating sufficient time to each quadrant of your mouth for thorough cleaning. Rushing can leave plaque and bacteria behind.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brushing your teeth" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It commonly appears as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the action of cleaning one's teeth. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatile usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brushing your teeth" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the action of cleaning one's teeth. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across various contexts, including news, academic, and general health advice. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for a broad audience. Maintaining good oral hygiene, through consistent "brushing your teeth", is widely recognized as crucial for preventing dental problems and maintaining overall health. As Ludwig examples indicate, integrating this practice into daily routines and understanding its importance are key takeaways.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cleaning your teeth

Replaces the gerund "brushing" with the more general term "cleaning", offering a broader description of the action.

tooth brushing

Uses a noun form to describe the act, shifting the focus from the action itself to the practice.

keeping your teeth clean

Highlights the state of cleanliness, emphasizing the result of the action.

taking care of your teeth

Offers a more general and less technical way to describe the act of brushing and other dental care.

oral hygiene practices

Broadens the scope to include all actions related to maintaining dental health, not just brushing.

cleaning your pearly whites

Uses a more colorful and descriptive term for teeth, adding a touch of personality.

dental care routine

Focuses on the overall routine that includes brushing, flossing, and other dental care activities.

practicing good dental hygiene

Emphasizes the importance of regular and proper dental care.

maintaining oral health

Emphasizes the goal of the action, which is to keep the mouth healthy.

performing dental hygiene

Uses a more formal and technical term for the action.

FAQs

Why is "brushing your teeth" important?

"Brushing your teeth" removes plaque and bacteria, preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. It's a cornerstone of oral hygiene.

How often should I be "brushing your teeth"?

Dentists recommend "brushing your teeth" at least twice a day: once in the morning and once before bed. More frequent brushing may be beneficial, especially after meals.

What's the best way to "brush your teeth"?

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Gently brush all surfaces of each tooth using small, circular motions for two minutes. Don't forget to brush your tongue!

What can I use in addition to "brushing your teeth" to improve oral hygiene?

Flossing daily removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline, areas your toothbrush can't reach. Mouthwash can also help kill bacteria and freshen breath. Consider alternatives like "cleaning your teeth" for similar guidance.