How To Brush Your Teeth: Effective Brushing Techniques

Your oral health depends on the way you brush your teeth every morning. It might sound clichéd, but brushing your teeth is essential for maintaining good oral and dental health. Regular brushing removes tooth decay and bacteria that cause gum diseases. However, despite knowing how vital it is to brush and floss, most people don’t follow this routine diligently. Thus, with the below-mentioned brushing techniques, one can easily improve their oral hygiene and keep their teeth clean and strong.

Here’s a Guide on Effective Brushing Techniques

1. Use the right brush: It is essential to choose the right size toothbrush, ideal for your mouth. There are two main types available – hard bristled and soft-bristled. For gentle brushing and comfort, opt for a softer one. Besides, a hard-bristled one can damage the gums and tooth enamel at times. Also, replace your brush after every three months.
2. Hold the brush: A 45-degree angle is a perfect angle to hold your brush. It ensures your bristles point where the gums and teeth meet. Practice it one or two times, and you’ll ace it. At least brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
3. Use fluoride toothpaste: A toothpaste with fluoride can keep your mouth minty fresh. Fluoride is effective in preventing plaque-causing bacteria. Moreover, it strengthens tooth enamel and prevents early stages of tooth decay.
4. Use circular motions: Not straight, but you need to use circular motions while brushing your teeth. Gentle motions clean your entire mouth, focusing more on a small group of teeth at a time. Start with outer surfaces first and then move inwards, brushing the chewable surfaces. After which, clean your tongue thoroughly with a tongue cleaner.
5. Use a Stillman method: Stillman is a helpful technique that focuses on cleaning up the chewing surfaces that cause cavity-causing germs. You can use circular strokes to clean the area and tilt the brush to clean the underside. Use half of the bristles to clean gums and the other half to clean the tooth surface.
6. Use the Charter method: If you have an exposed gum or root recession, use this technique. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and place the bristles at the gum line whilst pointing them at the chewing surface. Use circular vibration motion and brush for at least twenty counts.

Brushing your Teeth – Step by Step

• Always begin with the outer surface first, don’t forget to brush the upper and lower teeth surface. Always ensure you don’t rush the process. Use circular motions and short & wide strokes to discharge trapped food particles.
• Don’t forget to clean the inside portion of your teeth. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to clean the inner surface. Also, gently brush the gum line.
• Hold the toothbrush firm while brushing the upper and lower back. Besides, it is essential to maintain the pressure to brush the backside to remove trapped food debris.
• Clean your tongue to avoid bad breath, odour, and bacteria. Use a gentle motion to clean your tongue or use a tongue cleaner.

Final Tips for Brushing Teeth,

• Brush your teeth for at least two minutes (twice a day). It is advisable to use a soft-bristled brush to remove debris and plaque.
• Don’t scrub too hard, as it can harm your tooth enamel. People brush hard to remove plaque, but it can damage your tooth and gums. Use soft circular motions for better results.
• The correct way to brush is to go up and down rather than left to right. Moreover, the constant back and forth motion can damage tooth enamel.
• Clean your entire mouth – gum line, chewing surfaces, roof, and tongue.
• Wait for 60 minutes after a meal to brush your teeth. Brushing right after your meal can damage your teeth’ enamel and lead to decay. Especially if you have acidic foods, it is essential to wait until the saliva neutralizes the acid.
• Eat a balanced meal that limits sugary beverages and snack

Visit your dentist after every three-four months for a thorough checkup, as prevention is better than being treated.

Check out: 3 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy