Teeth Brushing Techniques for Improving Your Dental Health
While we all know how important it is to brush our teeth, what most people fail to understand is that it is equally important to focus on the right brushing technique. Simply brushing without using the right technique won’t help.
The Right Way of Brushing
According to the Brookfield dentist, proper brushing takes at least two minutes. Simply moving the brush twice left and right is not brushing. It won’t even clean your teeth. Most of the adults never brush for that long! You can try using a stopwatch to make yourself brush for two minutes. The right way of brushing is making short and gentle strokes.
If you brush aggressively, you will end up damaging your teeth enamel and make your teeth prone to sensitivity as well as cavity and decay. You must pay special attention to the gum line as it is where most of the plaque and food debris gets deposited. The back of the teeth is also often ignored and therefore, they are vulnerable to the cavity, says the dentist near you.
You must also pay special attention around fillings, crowns, and other types of restorations, says the dentist in Brookfield, CT. You must clean each section of your teeth as follows:
- You should begin by cleaning the outer surface of the upper teeth followed by brushing the lower teeth.
- You must then clean the inner surface of the upper teeth and then the lower teeth.
- Then you must brush the chewing surface.
- And lastly, you should brush your tongue as well for a fresh feeling.
Some Helpful Tips
- You should tilt the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gumline and either sweep or roll the brush away from the gumline.
- Gently brush the outside and inside of the teeth by making short back and forth strokes.
- Always brush the tongue gently so that you don’t bruise it.
- Gentle brushing is important as you can end up hurting your gums if you brush aggressively.
Type of Toothbrush To Be Used
The dentist in 06804 says that using a soft-bristled toothbrush is best for cleaning your teeth. It is a misconception that hard bristles clean properly. Even softer bristles can remove food debris and plaque if you use the right techniques. You can also go for brushes with small heads as they can reach all areas of the mouth easily, especially the backside.
An electric toothbrush can also be a good idea for many people as it can do the job of cleaning in a better way. If people have difficulty in brushing or have limited manual dexterity, the electric brushes can be a savior for them.
Importance of Toothpaste in Brushing
It is important to use toothpaste that is right for your dental condition. Today, you can find a wide variety of toothpaste which is specially created for treating specific dental conditions such as sensitivity, cavity, gingivitis, stained teeth, tartar, etc. you can consult your dentist or hygienist about the toothpaste that is right for you. They may recommend using toothpaste with fluoride for strengthening your teeth and fighting cavity.
Importance of Replacing the Toothbrush
The dentist in Brookfield says that you should not wait for the bristles to wear down. It is better to replace the toothbrush every 3-4 months as they tend to accumulate bacteria over time. Using the same brush for a year is not a good idea and people need to realize that.
Tips for Children
- When the children are very young, parents should brush their teeth twice a day for keeping their oral health in good condition.
- Once they grow up a little, make them brush the teeth on their own but supervise and guide them about the right techniques.
- For kids below 3 years of age, use toothpaste in the size of a grain and for kids above the age of 3, use pea-sized toothpaste.
- Make them brush teeth before bedtime so that bacteria don’t get a playground in your child’s mouth at night.
- It is not recommended to use fluoride toothpaste for kids so ask your dentist before using it.
- Both manual and electric brushes can be used for your children.