Can you remember when your parent taught you how to brush your teeth? The strawberry-flavoured toothpaste and colourful brushes seemed like loyal friends who helped clean your teeth. Eventually, brushing teeth became so ingrained in your routine that you can do it with your eyes closed. But because of that, you might be taking it for granted. Everyone – not just children – needs a refresher on proper toothbrushing practices.
Over the years, many people have fallen victim to dental care misconceptions. And, as dental technology levels up, you, too, should upgrade your brushing techniques! Follow this guide on taking care of your teeth like a pro.
1. Choose a Toothbrush With Soft Bristles
The vast range of colours, shapes, materials, and brands in the toothbrush aisle may be overwhelming. Some are cheaper than others, but don’t choose based on the price alone. Look at the bristles. The American Dental Association recommends soft-bristled toothbrushes to prevent wearing away your gums. The thinner fibres also reach food debris and plaque stuck in your mouth’s deepest crevices.
The shape of the bristles matters, too. Studies show that angled bristles and multidirectional electric toothbrushes remove plaque better. And to answer the long-debated electric vs. manual toothbrush, the former is the superior option in controlling plaque and gingivitis. According to Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry, powered toothbrushes have automated movement and sensors to help you master a more productive toothbrushing technique.
2. Use the Right Toothpaste for Your Needs
Many toothpaste commercials claim that their toothpaste is dentist-recommended. However, take that with a grain of salt. Be a smart shopper and choose a toothpaste based on your dental needs. If you love sweet food or have no oral issues, use a fluoride-based option that coats the outer layer of the teeth (enamel) to prevent cavities. Feel a sharp pain every time you eat or drink something cold? Grab yourself a toothpaste intended for sensitive teeth. This type usually has desensitising ingredients like potassium nitrate to protect the nerves inside the tooth.
Whitening toothpaste is a popular choice, especially for coffee drinkers. However, check with your dentist first. Whitening formulas are usually more abrasive in order to wipe stains off the enamel. For those with bleeding gum problems, go with antimicrobial ingredients like triclosan.
3. Angle Your Brush
Did you know the side-to-side sweeping technique is ineffective at removing plaque? According to Dental Research Journal, the horizontal method can cause a gingival recession or the thinning of gum tissues. There are better and safer brushing techniques at your disposal.
The highly rated way to brush your teeth is the Modified Bass technique. It requires you to position your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle with the bristles covering half your tooth and gum. Then, move the brush in a circular movement and flick it outwards, away from the gum. A 2020 study, “Brushing Techniques,” reports that this technique significantly reduces plaque and gum inflammation. The only downside is it’s difficult to practise if you have stiffness or pain around your wrist.
People with sensitive teeth should try the rolling technique. Align the base of the bristles with your gumline and roll the toothbrush away. Repeat on each tooth. Be mindful of the pressure you’re putting on your teeth. Don’t muscle through; focus on being thorough.
4. Take Your Sweet Time
Brushing teeth should be a part of your self-care routine. After all, a smile is the best accessory anyone can have. Be generous with the time you spend on your dental care.
What is the correct way to brush your teeth?
According to the American Dental Hygienists Association, brushing for three minutes removes 55% more plaque than brushing for 30 seconds. This recommendation is one minute longer than Australian Dental Association’s two-minute suggestion. Your sweet spot should be around two and a half minutes.
5. Brush Your Tongue
See that white film coating your tongue? It’s a sweet home for bad breath-causing bacteria. Use your toothbrush to clean your tongue. Put a small amount of toothpaste and scrub your precious tasting muscles gently. Rinse with water, and your mouth will feel minty fresh. Do your tongue a solid by scraping it twice a day after toothbrushing.
6. Sanitise Your Toothbrush
This tooth-cleaning wand works hard to maintain your oral hygiene. Its idea of relaxation is enjoying a bath of mouthwash. A Journal of Dentistry study says soaking toothbrushes in mouthwash for seven minutes can kill 85% of bacteria. It’s insurance against the germs from your mouth and your toilet (!) that may stick to your toothbrush.
A good toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and proper brushing teeth procedure can turn your smile from ordinary to charming. Take it further by using clear aligners for the ideal set of pearly whites. ClearCorrect gives you that confidence boost thanks to its ClearQuartz technology that precisely and comfortably straightens crooked teeth. The innovative flexible inner layer enhances comfort during the aligner treatment, from insertion and throughout aligner wear. Plus, no one would even notice you’re wearing an aligner, thanks to its high, flat trimline and stain-resistant quality.
When brushing teeth, remember these steps. Make your teeth and dentist proud!
References:
Toothbrushes. (n.d.-b). American Dental Association.
Slot, D. E., Wiggelinkhuizen, L., Rosema, N., & Van Der Weijden, G. (2012). The efficacy of manual toothbrushes following a brushing exercise: a systematic review. International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 10(3), 187–197.
Aggarwal, N., Gupta, S., Grover, R., Sadana, G., & Bansal, K. (2019). Plaque Removal Efficacy of Different Toothbrushes: A Comparative Study. International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 12(5), 385–390.
Jain, Y. (2013). A comparison of the efficacy of powered and manual toothbrushes in controlling plaque and gingivitis: a clinical study. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry, 3.
Chrysanthakopoulos, N. A. (2011b, January 1). Aetiology and Severity of Gingival Recession in an Adult Population Sample in Greece. PubMed Central (PMC).
Suhasini, S., M. V. D. J. (2020, December 13). Brushing Techniques. European Journal of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, 7(2), 6601-6611.
Bok, H. J., & Lee, C. (2020). Proper Tooth-Brushing Technique According to Patient’s Age and Oral Status. International Journal of Clinical Preventive Dentistry, 16(4), 149–153.
The effect of brushing time and dentifrice on dental plaque removal in vivo. (n.d.). PubMed.
Beneduce, C., Baxter, K., Bowman, J., Haines, M., & Andreana, S. (2010). Germicidal activity of antimicrobials and VIOlight® Personal Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer: An in vitro study. Journal of Dentistry.
