Are you brushing your teeth right? Practical tips for a perfect clean! -

Think brushing your teeth is a no-brainer? Think again! Most people don’t even spend 2 minutes for brushing, often missing important areas where plaques hides. Mastering the right way of brushing is the ultimate way to prevent cavities and maintain gum health. Here we will discuss few practical tips and techniques that will change your views towards dental hygiene.

CONTENTS

Brushing Methods

Modified Bass Technique is a highly effective method of tooth brushing and recommended by dentists for most of the cases. Here are 6 easy steps to perform this method:

Angle: Place a soft or ultra-soft bristled toothbrush at an 45° angle to the gums
Motion: Exert gentle vibratory pressure, using short back and forth /small circular motions without dislodging the tips of the bristles. This forces the bristle ends into the teeth gaps as well as gum margins.
Number: Complete 15-20 strokes in the same position ( 2-3 teeth at a time).
Sweeping: Sweep the bristles downwards towards the chewing surface after completing the vibratory motion in the gum margins.
For inner teeth surface: Hold the brush vertically behind the front teeth and use the tip of the brush to clean with a sweeping motion.
Clean your tongue: Clean your tongue daily. It removes bacteria and food debris from your tongue. It freshens your breath. Scrape from back to front of your tongue.

How to use electric tooth brush?

Using electric toothbrush is no different except you do not have to use back and forth vibratory motion.

Apply a pea amount of toothpaste and hold the bristles at an 45° angle against the gum line.
Only apply a gentle pressure.
Move slowly form one tooth to another. Cover all surfaces.
Brush for two minutes in total.

Practical tips to Properly brush your teeth

When to brush?

Brush twice daily – in the morning and before bed.

Which brush to use?

Use soft or ultra-soft brush of any brand available in the market according to your dentist’s recommendation.

How much paste to use?

Only a pea size amount of tooth paste necessary for brushing.

What should be the duration?

You only need to brush for 2 minutes only. Brushing for too long does not help cleaning rather causes abrasion of the teeth.

Which tooth paste to use?

Any toothpaste containing fluoride (1000 ppm fro adult) is good enough. But if you have any underling oral disease like sensitive teeth or gum disease; please consult your dentist.

When to change tooth brush?

It is better to change your tooth brush every 3-4 months.

Always remember that techniques are more important that toothpaste.

Supporting Oral Hygiene Methods

There are also other methods that improves oral hygiene. Learn more.

After every meal food particles lodges in the crease and crevices of your teeth. Rinsing your mouth properly can help removing these. Mouthwashes can also be used for a short duration of time.
Daily flossing helps to remove plaque in between tooth surfaces.
Cleaning your tongue removes bacteria and food debris and freshens your breath.
Visit your dentist twice a year, they will help in early detection of any dental diseases.

Also read:

7 Simple Oral Hygiene habits for healthy smile!

Shiny teeth are important for healthy life. Know why!

References