how to brush your teeth
How to Brush Your Teeth
It is extremely essential to follow the right technique while brushing teeth. This article provides some information on the correct method of brushing teeth so as to keep them clean and healthy.
Majority of dental problems can be avoided if we follow a dental care regimen religiously. It is not only extremely essential to brush one's teeth twice daily, but also to follow the right technique for brushing teeth. Teeth should be brushed in such a way that you are able to remove the maximum amount of plaque and food debris stuck between the teeth. Dental problems such as dental caries, bleeding gums, tartar buildup, etc., can be prevented by following the right technique. Unfortunately, dental care is not given much importance on a day-to-day basis due to our fast-paced life.
The Right Method
- Firstly, the most important thing is to choose the right toothbrush. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, and the right number of tufts.
- Once you have chosen the toothbrush, place a small amount of toothpaste on it. Always remember that it is much better to use a toothpaste than a tooth powder. A toothpaste is much less abrasive, when compared to a tooth powder. Avoid brushing teeth with baking soda, as that would irreversibly abrade the surface of the teeth.
- Hold the toothbrush at a forty-five degree angle to the teeth, such that the bristles rest on both the gums and the teeth.
- Place the toothbrush on the outer surface of the posterior teeth. Thereafter, make slight backward and forward movements in a gentle manner. Repeat the same for the outer surface of the upper posterior teeth.
- Similarly, hold the toothbrush at a forty-five degree angle to your lower teeth and brush the outer surfaces of the posterior teeth once again.
- Once the buccal surface of posterior teeth are done, then proceed to clean the front teeth. This is a very important step, as the possibility of cavity formation in the interdental areas of the front teeth are quite high. Avoid vigorous brushing of the teeth to prevent abrasion. The correct method is to brush the upper teeth from top to bottom, and the lower teeth from bottom to top. The main logic behind this is quite simple. Brushing your upper teeth from top to bottom, and the lower teeth from bottom to top will ensure that the debris and plaque is pushed away from the gum line. Both of these motions would prevent the plaque from entering your gums, thereby preventing bleeding gums, or the possibility of other gum diseases.
- The next step would be to clean the occlusal surface of the teeth, that is, the biting surface of the premolars and molars.
- Massaging your gums also helps improve circulation in the gums, which in turn makes them healthier. Brush your teeth for at least 2 to 5 minutes.
- You could clean your tongue with the bristles of your toothbrush, or use a tongue cleaner instead. The last step would be to use a dental floss threader, or a mouthwash depending on what your dentist recommends.