Proper Tooth Brushing Technique
Tooth brushing removes plaque from the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of the teeth. Proper brushing is essential for cleaning teeth and gums effectively. Use a toothbrush with soft, nylon, round-ended bristles that will not scratch and irritate teeth or damage gums.
- Place bristles along the gumline at a 45-degree angle. Bristles should contact both the tooth surface and the gumline.
- Gently brush the outer tooth surfaces of 2-3 teeth using a vibrating back & forth rolling motion. Move brush to the next group of 2-3 teeth and repeat.
- Maintain a 45-degree angle with bristles contacting the tooth surface and gumline. Gently brush using back, forth, and rolling motion along all of the inner tooth surfaces.
- Tilt brush vertically behind the front teeth. Make several up & down strokes using the front half of the brush.
- Place the brush against the biting surface of the teeth & use a gentle back & forth scrubbing motion. Brush the tongue from back to front to remove odor-producing bacteria.
Remember to brush gently with short strokes and enough pressure so that you feel the bristles against the gums. The tips of the bristles do the cleaning, so don't squash them. Change the toothbrush's position frequently, moving slowly across all surfaces of every tooth. The toothbrush can clean only one or two teeth at a time, and it will probably take about 3 minutes of brushing to clean the teeth adequately.
Ask your dentist to recommend a toothbrush for you. The type of brush you need depends on how well you remove plaque and the position of your teeth. For general use, choose a brush with soft bristles and rounded ends. Soft bristles are less likely to injure the gums. Make sure the head of the brush is small enough to reach every tooth. Children may need smaller brushes than those designed for adults. Replace your toothbrush when the bristles become bent or frayed, about every 3 or 4 months.
It's never been proved whether electric toothbrushes remove plaque better than conventional brushes. If you're more thorough when using an electric toothbrush, that's probably the best choice for you. Persons with physical disabilities may find electric toothbrushes easier to use, and children may find them appealing and use them more often than manual toothbrushes. If you have sensitive teeth caused by receding gums, your dentist may recommend special toothpaste to use for a few months to decrease the sensitivity.
"Remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months". 