Tooth Brushing Techniques for Better Oral Hygiene

Methods of brushing teeth

Gum disease in adults is one of the main culprits of heart attacks and strokes, which can be avoided with proper tooth and gum care practices.

Plaque can also lead to gum inflammation and gum disease, which can result in tooth loss and a worsening of gum disease.  The American Dental Association recommends a person brush two times a day for a minimum of two minutes each session and replacing a toothbrush every three months for the best oral care possible.  

Techniques for Properly Brushing Adult Teeth

Properly brushing the teeth and cleaning the gums effectively is the best way to ensure oral health is at its best.  Experts recommend people use a soft, nylon toothbrush with rounded bristles to avoid scratching or irritating the teeth or soft tissue of the gums.  The following information is designed to educate a person about proper tooth brushing techniques:

• Put the bristles of the toothbrush at the gum line at a 45° angle with the bristles in contact with both the tooth surface and gums.
• Begin by brushing gently on the outer surface of 2-3 teeth using a back and forth, vibrating rolling motion.  Move the brush on to the next group of teeth and repeat until all outer surfaces of the teeth have been brushed accordingly.
• Maintaining a 45° angle with bristles touching tooth surface and gum line.  Brush back and forth, rolling and vibrating over the inner surfaces of the teeth.
• Tilt the brush at a vertical angle behind the front teeth, making several up and down strokes using the front portion of the tooth brush.
• Place the brush against the biting portion of the teeth and use a gentle back and forth scrubbing motion to remove debris from the teeth.
• Once all of the teeth and gums have been brushed, take the toothbrush and using a back and forth motion, brush the surface of the tongue to remove odor-causing bacteria.

Techniques for Properly Brushing Child’s Teeth

A parent should always highlight the importance of regular tooth brushing and oral care even in young children.  Tooth brushing in childhood should begin as soon as the child’s first tooth erupts and at first a parent can use a soft cloth to brush the gums and graduate to a toothbrush whenever necessary.   There are pediatric dental tooth brushes available from a pediatric oral specialist which can also be used to ensure proper brushing of teeth.

Because there is danger of a child receiving too much fluoride, a parent should always make sure to use the toothpaste recommended by a pediatric dentist.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child has his or her first dental visit around the age of one year old and every six months following the first visit for routine check-ups and cleanings.  An early dental visit is an excellent way of teaching a child from an early age about the importance of good oral hygiene and can prevent the child from having significant problems with the teeth and gums in adulthood.

Toothbrush type and toothpaste

What Type of Toothbrush Should Be Used?

The head of a toothbrush should be about 1-1 ½ inches and have a suitable handle, allowing for a firm grasp.  The brush should have soft, nylon bristles and be rounded at the ends, which allows for the brush to reach the spaces between teeth, as well as the entire surfaces.  Be careful of brushes with stiff bristles which can be abrasive and wear down or damage tooth enamel or delicate gum tissue.

What is Toothpaste?

Toothpaste is also called a dentifrice, which is composed of many different cleaning agents.  Such ingredients found in tooth paste include the following:

• Fluoride
• Humectants and water
• Abrasive
• Coloring agents, binders and opacifiers
• Foaming and flavoring agents

What Kind of Toothpaste is Most Effective?

The main ingredient in all toothpaste is fluoride which is the most important compound.  A person can use any type of toothpaste as long as there is fluoride present.  The goal of toothpaste is to prevent cavities and fight plaque, polish and clean the surfaces of the teeth.  It is recommended that whichever brand is selected contains the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval on the label which means the safety and efficacy of the toothpaste has been proven in clinical trials.

Overview

With proper dental care and regular dental visits a person can maintain healthy teeth and gums and reduces the risk of different types of related health problems.  Using the above recommended brushing techniques whether in childhood or as an adult leads to a person knowing how to properly take care of teeth at any age.  Brushing teeth at least twice a day, using dental floss daily and gargling with an antibacterial mouth rinse can help prevent dental caries, reduce plaque levels, combat tooth loss, gum disease and other preventable dental problems and ensure a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts for a lifetime.