People began to brush their teeth as early as 5000 BC, with evidence indicating that those living in Egypt, Babylonia, and India used sticks to clean their teeth. Nowadays, there is no doubt that brushing our teeth is an important part of our daily routine. Brushing our teeth not only maintains our oral health, but it also impacts our entire immune system.
However, did you know that the way you brush your teeth is also important? In fact, brushing your teeth incorrectly can do more harm than good: you may be building up more plaque and causing gum erosion.
Brushing techniques for parents and kids
According to a study, only one in ten people in Sweden were brushing their teeth correctly. This illustrates the importance of effective brushing techniques. Let’s explore the best techniques for brushing our teeth:
Selecting the best toothbrush
Just as a builder needs the right tools to build a house, and a musician needs the right instrument to play the best songs, you need the right toothbrush to properly clean your teeth. Our brushing routines depend on our toothbrush, so it is essential that we review which one is best for us to ward off bacteria and plaque.
Despite the dizzying array of options for consumers in the market, from fancy tech-driven electric devices to luxury fiber bristles, the most important aspect of toothbrushing is:
- A toothbrush you genuinely like and are prepared to use as part of your routine.
- Bristles that align with the needs of your gums. For example, if you have sensitive teeth, consider investing in a soft-bristle brush.
- A toothbrush that you can replace regularly every few months. Don’t let your toothbrush run bare of its bristles and full of unwanted bacteria to the point where you are doing more damage than good.
Pro-tip: If you decide to go electric because you enjoy fun tech and gadgets, then you can feel free to do so. However, be sure to work with your dental professional to ensure you are using the correct technique.
For electric brushes, gently guide the brush across the teeth, rather than scrubbing, to make the process easier.
Toothbrushing technique
By following these simple steps, you can help prevent tooth decay and a range of other chronic dental issues:
- Start with the outer face of your teeth and gently brush each one back and forth with your toothbrush. Remember to take your time so you don’t miss any spots!
- According to the bass technique, tilt your brush at a 45-degree angle and brush against your gumline. Remember to do this gently so you don’t cut your gums.
- Brush the inner surface of your teeth. As this is not as easily visible, it can be easy to forget.
- Finally, brush the chewing section of your teeth, brushing over each tooth to ensure that no food remains are left behind.
- Also, remember to focus on your tongue, an often-neglected part of the brushing routine. To maintain a fresh and minty breath, gently scrub your tongue with your brush to remove any unwanted bad odors.
Pro-tip: The technique used to brush your teeth will also significantly impact the quality of the bristles on your toothbrush. For example, you may unnecessarily wear them down if you use them too heavily.
Similarly, using an electric toothbrush with excessive vibration may cause pain if your teeth or gums are overly sensitive.
For how long should I brush my teeth?
You and your family should remember to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day.
Here are a few ideas to make sure that you reach this target:
- Setting an alarm and a timer on your phone
- Downloading a dental app with a timer or a game to make it more fun and rewarding for your kids
- To make it fun for you, choose one of your favorite songs and listen to it while you brush your teeth
If you neglect the amount of time you spend brushing your teeth properly, you may not effectively combat plaque buildup. Set a good example for your kids and start having fun while brushing your teeth.
Flossing
Flossing is an essential step that helps you maintain shiny, healthy, and beautiful teeth. Flossing will remove all leftover food, and it can also reduce the risk of gum disease and bad breath.
- Take about 40 cm of floss and wrap most of it around your fingers, leaving a one- to two-inch section to work with.
- Place it between your teeth and curve the string into a C-shape, allowing you to pull out any extra debris.
- Remember to clean all sides of every tooth. You should floss with a clean part for each side of each tooth.
- Repeat the process for all teeth, including the back of the last molar.
Be gentle when you reach the gumline and floss once a day.
What type of toothpaste should we use to brush our teeth?
Toothpaste is the most important ingredient in the recipe for your perfect smile. However, choosing the best toothpaste for your family can feel like a minefield.
Just like toothbrushes, a range of products is available at varying prices and flavors. You can even find a wide range of differences in their ingredients and chemical makeup, such as:
- Hydroxyapatite
- Fluoride
- Calcium
- Phosphate
So, which one should you pick?
Consult with your dental professional to ensure you are getting the most out of your dental routine.
Pro-tip: Remember not to rinse your teeth immediately after brushing, as it will wash away the effects of the ingredients. Instead, you should spit out any excess toothpaste and wait for a short period. For example, you can choose to floss first before you rinse.
The best part: Rinse your teeth and smile
Rinse your mouth with water and smile into the mirror to enjoy your fresh, clean, and shining teeth.
By taking extra care with your brushing technique and working with your dental professional, you and your kids will have a smile that will continue to shine bright for years to come.
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