Knowing More About The Proper Ways To Brush Your Teeth

Brushing our teeth every day is a must. This will help us have fresher breath as well as healthy oral hygiene. However brushing alone is not enough. You need to know the proper ways to brush your teeth in order for you to effectively clean your mouth. 

  

Appropriate brushing usually takes at least two minutes or 120 seconds. Most adults and even children do not even come close to brushing that long. Most of them try to brush their teeth quickly that they often leave bits of food behind. It is very important that you know the proper ways to brush your teeth as this will prevent conditions such as gingivitis or tooth decay.

Incorrect brushing may also lead to tooth abrasion. In fact, the number one cause of tooth abrasion is with the use of a tooth brush. To properly brush your teeth, you must use short and gentle strokes as well as paying proper attention to the gum line.

There are several proper ways to brush your teeth. Among the techniques recommended by dentists that you must follow include:

•  Applying a strip of toothpaste after you have pre moistened your toothbrush.
•  Start brushing with your upper left molars, the back teeth. Concentrate on the front surface of you tooth working in a clockwise direction. This will help clean 2 to 3 teeth at a time.
•  Hold your toothbrush parallel to your teeth and set the bristles in the direction of the tissue.    Apply a small amount of pressure to help clean effectively.
•  Move your brush gently in a circular motion repetitively for 10 seconds. 
•  Next, roll the toothbrush bristles away from the gum line in a sweeping motion.
•   Continue these steps until all the front surfaces of your teeth have all been cleaned.
•   When cleaning the inside surface of your teeth, or lingual surface, with the tip of your tooth  brush do a flicking motion to clean each tooth down to the gum line. Do this repeatedly for 2 to 3 times.
•   Brush the biting surface of your teeth to remove any food pieces caught in between your teeth.
•   Gently brush your tongue as well as the insides of you cheeks.
•    Finish by rinsing your mouth with water as well as apply mouthwash for added cleaning.

Some tips are also available if you want to expand your oral health cleaning habit. Always remember to brush your teeth three times a day. First in the morning, second at midday, and third before you go to sleep. This will help clean your teeth as well as your mouth after all that you have ate or drank during these times. Also try not to eat or drink once you have brushed in the evening before you go to sleep.

If you are brushing someone else’s teeth especially your kids or old folks, try to stand to stand behind them so you can have a perfect view of their teeth and you can look down effectively. This will help you clean their teeth thoroughly.

Always remember to replace your toothbrush every three months. Worn out bristles might do more harm to your teeth rather that help clean them. Also replace your toothbrush after you have recovered from an illness even from a cold or flu.

- Dr. Joe Kim
Evergreen Family Dental
Mill Creek, WA