Regular visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene will definitely help you maintain healthy teeth and gums, but brushing your teeth plays a very important role when it comes to oral care. We learned to brush our teeth as children and continue to practice the same technique all our lives. But most of us don’t know how to brush our teeth properly. To remove the plaque without damaging your teeth is important.
Your dentist can give you the best advice to brush your teeth properly and there are many ways in which you can brush teeth properly. The most accepted method of brushing for adults is the modified bass technique. It effectively removes plaque above and just below the gum line.
Also read: Tooth Decay in toddlers: Symptoms and Preventive Measures
Some Tips on Brushing
Children can find it difficult to move the toothbrush as required in the modified Bass technique. Your dentist or dental hygienist can teach your child the best way to brush. Most children need help to brush until they are 6-7 years of age. It is important that you supervise their child's oral hygiene until the age of 9 or 10.
Brush at least twice a day: Brushing at least twice a day is recommended by most oral health professionals (in the morning and at night). In the morning, brush either before or after breakfast, as you feel comfortable. You should brush just before going to bed as it helps to remove food debris that may be sticking to your teeth. While sleeping the saliva decreases, which makes your teeth more vulnerable to bacterial acids. Do not brush more than three times a day as brushing too often can cause gums to recede over time.
Brush lightly: Always brush lightly as brushing hard can cause gums to recede over time. Plaque can't be removed by rinsing, but light brushing can help to remove it. However hardened plaque (tartar) cannot be removed by brushing. You should hold your toothbrush like a pen as this encourages lighter strokes.
Brush for at least two minutes: Brush for at least for two minutes as this is the minimum time required to adequately clean all your teeth. If needed set a timer or brush for the length of a song.
Make a standard routine for brushing: Brush all your teeth in the same pattern every day as this will help you to remember to brush all areas of your mouth. If you brush your teeth in the same order daily it will sooner or later become your second nature.
Change your toothbrush regularly: Change your toothbrush every three months or if the bristles splay, as toothbrush do not clean teeth properly. If the bristles of your brush flare much before three months, you may be brushing too hard.
Also Read: Proven tips to keep your teeth cavity free
Your toothbrush: Use a toothbrush with "soft" or "extra soft" bristles as there is a risk of damage to your gums if you use a hard toothbrush. Use a toothbrush that is approved by the Indian Dental Association. However, it is important to use your brush properly as the exact type of brush you use not as important as your brushing technique. You can use an electric or power-assisted toothbrush. These brushes are very useful for people who are not cautious about proper brushing technique or for people with physical problems that make brushing difficult. Like a regular brush, choose an electric or power-assisted toothbrush with soft bristles, brush for at least two minutes and brush lightly.
Your toothpaste: Use toothpaste that is best for you. Toothpaste don't just clean teeth but help to prevent decay, control plaque, control tartar, whiten your teeth, promote gum care or desensitize your teeth. Most toothpaste contains fluoride, as fluoride has been proven to prevent, stop or even reverse the tooth decay. You may need to change your toothpaste with age. If required consult your dentist or hygienist for toothpaste. Use toothpaste that meets the standard set by the Indian Dental.
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