Tips on Tooth Brushing

What is the best way to brush?
One effective technique involves using a circular motion to brush a couple of teeth at a time, gradually covering the entire mouth.

Place a toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle and gently brush teeth in an elliptical motion.

Brush the front of the teeth, behind the teeth, the tongue and chewing surfaces, and between teeth.

Using a back-and-forth motion causes the gum surface to recede, or can expose the root surface or make the root surface tender. You also risk wearing down the gum line.

Soft or hard bristles?

• A toothbrush head should be small (1" by 1/2") for easy access.
• It should have a long, wide handle for a firm grasp.
• It should also have soft, nylon bristles with round ends.
• Some brushes are too abrasive and can wear down teeth.
• A soft, rounded, multi-tufted brush can clean teeth effectively.
• Press just firmly enough to reach the spaces between the teeth as well as the surface.
• Medium and hard bristles are not recommended.

How long should I brush?

• Dentists generally recommend brushing 3-4 minutes.
• Using an egg timer is a good way to measure your brushing time.
• Patients generally think they're brushing longer, but most spend less than a minute brushing.
• Brush the full 3-4 minutes twice a day instead of brushing quickly five or more times through the day.

Should I brush at work?

• Yes! Keeping a toothbrush in your desk increases the chances that you'll brush during the day by 65 percent.
• Brushing debris off teeth right away stops sugary snacks from turning into damaging acids, and catches starchy foods before they turn into cavity-causing sugar.
• If you brush with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed, you don't even need to use toothpaste at work.

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

 

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