If you are here, it is because you are looking for information on how to brush your teeth on a daily basis to have a good oral hygiene and feel good all day long. It is true that a good toothbrushing allows first of all to feel a sensation of freshness and cleanliness inside your mouth. However, it must be effective and gentle to allow you to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease but also to keep your teeth healthy for as long as possible. This is important not only for your oral health but also for your general health. That is why it is necessary to respect a certain number of criteria in order to brush your teeth well.
Here is a guide with all the criteria that you must respect in order to brush your teeth as efficiently as possible.
Opt for a good toothbrush that allows for effective toothbrushing
The electric toothbrush is the one you should use if you want to brush your teeth effectively. In fact, it has been proven that the efficiency of an electric toothbrush is far superior to that of a manual toothbrush. It gives between 30 000 and 40 000 strokes per minute. It removes much more plaque, between 2 and 5 times more than a manual toothbrush.
Here are the different selection criteria to choose your electric toothbrush:
- Have soft bristles: They adapt very well to the rounded shape of your teeth. They are less likely to damage your gums and less likely to cause gum bleeding. They are also better at removing tartar and plaque.
- Have a compact head: It makes it much easier to reach hard-to-reach areas. In other words, it allows for a thorough cleaning of the molars. It is therefore practical for all types of mouths, but it is especially suitable for people with small mouths.
- Be equipped with a non-slip handle: It allows a good grip of the toothbrush especially when it is wet or when you have particular motor difficulties. It is even more practical if the handle is also ergonomic and foldable because it allows an optimal use of the toothbrush.
- Suitable for orthodontic treatments: This is a toothbrush that has v-shaped or x-shaped bristles on the brush. It often has fine bristles that make it easier to brush even under braces, retainer wire and braces. They do not irritate the gums.
You can use the Y-Brush toothbrush. It is a toothbrush that brushes all the teeth and their faces at the same time and is based on sonic technology, which is less aggressive than the oscillo-rotating ones.
Toothpaste with fluoride
Fluoride toothpaste is used to prevent tooth decay. It also strengthens the enamel of your teeth. The higher the fluoride concentration in the toothpaste, the better the protection against cavities. Fluoride levels between 1,000 and 1,500 ppm are particularly effective. However, it is important not to exceed this level because otherwise there is a risk of fluorosis which is characterized by the appearance of stains on your teeth.
Whitening toothpaste
The main objective of whitening toothpaste is to allow your teeth to regain their natural color without damaging the enamel. If you use it daily, you will see that your teeth will look much whiter and that all surface stains on your teeth will have disappeared. This is due to its superior abrasive power compared to conventional toothpastes and the presence of aluminum oxide, sodium bicarbonate and silicic acid.
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth
Some specific toothpastes allow to treat the dental sensitivity that makes it difficult to brush the teeth with normal toothpastes. They usually contain minerals that help protect your enamel such as fluorinol or permethol. They bind to the surface of the dentin and form a protective barrier against the factors that create your pain. They are effective if used on a long-term basis.
Choosing the right time to brush your teeth
To brush your teeth properly, you need to do it at least twice a day, after breakfast and before going to sleep, but you can also brush your teeth after lunch if you can. It is important to know that you should always do it after each meal. However, it is not always necessary to do it after eating in some specific cases. For example, it is advisable to wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth if you have consumed sugary drinks or particularly acidic foods such as sodas, citrus fruits or candies. This is the only way to avoid weakening your tooth enamel while brushing. You should also rinse your mouth several times after brushing to make sure that the acidic effect is gone from your teeth.
Adopting the right brushing technique
Tootbrushing technique for adults
- You should start by holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth. This is the only way you can direct the bristles of the brush to where the teeth and gums meet.
- Then, you need to use gentle circular motions to avoid gum and tooth pain. Do not brush horizontally because it does not clean your teeth properly.
- Then use the Bass method which consists of brushing around and under the gum line. This is where bacteria and plaque build up without being cleaned.
- Roll the bristles of the toothbrush toward the chewing surfaces. This removes debris trapped between the teeth and cleans the entire surface of the teeth without harming the sulcus.
Tooth brushing technique for children
- Apply a small amount of baby toothpaste. The amount would be the equivalent of a grain of rice each time for optimal brushing.
- Continue with brushing the front of the teeth. This is the outermost part of the teeth. Use up and down strokes on the front teeth.
- Brush the back of the teeth from the inside to the outside. Both dental arches are covered by moving back and forth from the molars to the front teeth.
- Attend to brushing the chewing surfaces. Circular motions should be used to remove food debris and back and forth from the back to the front.
We hope this guide has helped you understand the importance of having a good toothbrush, toothpaste and brushing technique for proper brushing. The timing of your brushing is also important for a good brushing.
