toothbrushing

noun

tooth·​brush·​ing ˈtüth-ˌbrə-shiŋ How to pronounce toothbrushing (audio)
: the action of using a toothbrush to clean teeth

Examples of toothbrushing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The survey found that the Silent Generation and baby boomers are the least consistent in their daily washing and toothbrushing routines. David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 Good dental hygiene, including regular toothbrushing, flossing, and gargling with salt water, can help prevent tonsil stones from developing. Sarah Hudgens, Health, 5 Oct. 2024 Was any part of your real-life toothbrushing style on display there? Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 2024 That still does not prove that preventing periodontitis will hold heart problems at bay: Some other habit or feature of the toothbrushing group could have been the important factor. Lola Butcher, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Mar. 2024 Several observational studies, in which researchers observe individuals and measure particular outcomes, but don’t intervene, suggest that oral health care, including toothbrushing and dental cleanings, make a difference. Lola Butcher, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Mar. 2024 Robbins begins his day with some light meditation — under what appears to be a giant portrait of his mother — and even lighter toothbrushing, before traipsing about the Upper East Side in a Bull Durham cap. EW.com, 19 Nov. 2023 Together, this set is designed to make brushing fun and develop daily toothbrushing habits. Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2023 An electric toothbrush can be helpful for kids who are less-than-enthusiastic about toothbrushing. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 24 Oct. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toothbrushing was in 1920

Dictionary Entries Near toothbrushing

Cite this Entry

“Toothbrushing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toothbrushing. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

toothbrushing

noun
tooth·​brush·​ing -ˌbrəsh-iŋ How to pronounce toothbrushing (audio)
: the action of using a toothbrush to clean the teeth
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!