If you are here, it means you know that proper tooth brushing is the only way to maintain good oral hygiene. Indeed, you probably know that it is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day, but you want to know how to do it without causing pain or bleeding when brushing. This will help you avoid serious oral health problems.
Here is a guide that covers several points to help you understand why and how to brush your teeth properly.
Brush your teeth every day for good oral health
Brushing your teeth every day, several times a day, is essential for maintaining good oral health. It is important to keep in mind all the benefits of proper tooth brushing.
Here are the benefits of good tooth brushing:
Limit the formation of dental plaque
It is important to limit the formation of this film made up of saliva, bacteria, and food particles on and between the teeth. It is the cause of many oral health problems such as dental cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
Keep teeth white
Regular brushing with an appropriate toothbrush helps whiten your teeth. It is the only way to prevent yellowing, which promotes gum recession. You can also choose an effective toothpaste that helps enhance whiteness.
Reduce stains
Daily quality brushing helps significantly reduce the appearance of stains on teeth. This is the only way to maintain a bright smile and white teeth. To do this, during brushing, make sure to brush the top surfaces of your teeth and the tongue side at least 10 times.
Maintain an optimal tooth brushing time
Previously, recommendations for optimal tooth brushing time suggested three brushings of three minutes each. However, dentists realized this goal was not achievable. They therefore recommend two brushings per day, morning and evening.
Each brushing should last 2 minutes. Morning brushing should be done after breakfast, not before. It is recommended to wait 30 minutes after breakfast before brushing because the foods consumed are often acidic, which weakens tooth enamel. Alternatively, you can rinse your mouth with water before brushing.
However, you can brush your teeth in less time if you use an electric toothbrush that allows effective brushing in 10 seconds. This is the case, for example, with the Y-Brush toothbrush, which removes 15% more dental plaque than a traditional toothbrush.
Brush your tongue properly
It is important to brush your tongue to remove all food residues that bacteria feed on and that can cause dental cavities. Indeed, bad breath is not caused by eating particular foods but mainly by eating without properly brushing your teeth.
You can brush your tongue in several ways:
- Using your toothbrush, brushing the top and bottom of the tongue for about one minute.
- Using a special tongue brush for about one minute on the top and bottom.
- Using a spoon with the same techniques as above.
- Regularly using a mouthwash. This is an effective technique not only for teeth and gums but also for the tongue.
Use interdental brushes
Interdental brushes are accessories recommended by dentists and orthodontists. They are small toothbrushes used in addition to your regular brushing. They allow a thorough cleaning of your entire dentition. Their main purpose is to remove food residues and dental plaque that accumulate between your teeth. They reach the most difficult areas to access with a manual or electric toothbrush. These spaces are very important as they represent 30% of tooth surfaces. They provide deep cleaning of concave surfaces and the gingival sulcus.
Do not rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth
Many techniques and tools help care for your teeth, such as using dental floss, interdental brushes, tongue scrapers, visiting your dentist at least once a year, or brushing twice a day. However, rinsing your mouth after brushing to remove toothpaste is not a good idea. The longer the fluoride in the toothpaste stays in contact with your teeth, the more effective it is at strengthening enamel and allowing remineralization of carious lesions. That is why it is better to spit out the toothpaste rather than rinse.
Use the BASS brushing technique
The Bass brushing technique is one of the most popular brushing methods recommended by dentists. It is considered a dental care method aimed at preventing and controlling the spread of gum disease. It allows thorough brushing around and under the gum line where bacteria and plaque accumulate and are harder to clean. This technique also reaches under the gums to effectively remove plaque before it turns into tartar and causes gum disease.
The technique is quite simple: You should place the toothbrush parallel to the teeth so that the bristles face the gums. Tilt the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and move it under the gum line in a circular motion. It is important to move to the next area after each section until you have brushed the entire mouth. Finally, brush the outer surfaces of the teeth and the tongue.
Tip: It is easier to reach between teeth if you hold the toothbrush vertically and use the bristles on the toe side of the brush. Make sure the bristles reach the gum tissue. This will help remove deposits and other food debris between your teeth.
Teach your children to brush their teeth properly
1) Brushing your child's teeth according to their age
- Before age 2: Teach your child to make circular motions on their teeth from top to bottom with a very soft-bristled brush that won’t irritate their gums.
- From age 2: Get them used to brushing their teeth after every meal with toothpaste containing a low concentration of fluoride to avoid ingestion issues.
- Around 3-4 years: Make sure they brush their teeth with back-and-forth motions from incisors to molars. They should use low-fluoride toothpaste and a suitable toothbrush that is easy to hold.
- At age 6: Ensure they brush twice a day for 2 minutes. Their toothpaste should have a higher fluoride concentration, and their toothbrush bristles should be soft.
2) Brushing your autistic child's teeth
- Familiarize your child: They need to get used to the toothbrush and the sensation of brushing from a young age.
- Rub the toothbrush on their hand: It is important to show them the sensation before trying a more sensitive area like the mouth.
- Have them keep the toothbrush in their mouth: This helps them get used to the feeling of having the brush in their mouth.
- Demonstrate on a stuffed animal: Use a stuffed animal with teeth to show the child how to brush teeth.
We hope this guide has helped you understand how proper tooth brushing helps maintain good oral hygiene. It is important to brush your teeth either for the optimal time or with an effective electric toothbrush that allows you to do it in record time. We also hope you have learned how to brush your tongue and use interdental brushes. Remember, rinsing your mouth after brushing is strongly discouraged. Additionally, the Bass brushing technique is recommended for both children and adults.
