Brushing

Brushing your teeth is one of the most important aspects of good oral hygiene. Many people question their dentist as to which brand or type of brush is the best to use. Although there are many different types of brushes available what is agreed on most, is that a soft brush is best. Medium or hard can cause damage and wear to the soft tissues surrounding the teeth, as well as unnecessary wear to the tooth outer surface called enamel.

Toothbrushes should be replaced often, usually every three months or after a bad cold or flu. Ideally, one should brush after each meal, but at least mornings and before bedtime should be made part of one's normal routine.

Other common questions are what types of bristles should a toothbrush have. The answer again depends on personal preference, however, studies have found that synthetic bristles are best due to their ability not to split as often as natural bristles. This splitting of the bristle ends can cause severe gum irritations and eventually recession of the gums and tooth sensitivity.

If one uses a synthetic soft bristled toothbrush that is replaced often, it will not cause this irritation. There are many different types of brushes being marketed to the public.  As long as the brush has soft bristles synthetic bristles replaced every 3 months any brush will work. Save money and buy one on sale. Better yet, come to our office for your regular checkup. We provide a new toothbrush at every visit.

Each person has their own method of brushing, however, an easy technique is to divide the mouth into six sections. Depending if one is right or left handed, you can choose which side to start on in the upper arch. Assuming you start on the upper right, start brushing the posterior four teeth. Place the toothbrush slightly on the gums or gingiva at a 45 degree angle and partly on the tooth. Gently brush back and forth. After brushing in this fashion, move the brush further down away from the gums and onto the rest of the teeth. Go further anteriorly until you reach the next one third. You should now be on the anterior six teeth. Repeat the procedure. Move on to the four back left teeth, repeating the back and forth motions.

Once completed, brush the left four posterior teeth, on the biting or occlusal (chewing) surfaces. Roll to the inside tongue or lingual side of the teeth. Again, place the brush at a 45 degree angle on the gums and tooth. Follow this procedure now going from left to anterior to right upper back teeth. This is now repeated by dropping down to the lower teeth. Follow the same instructions.

Replace your tooth brush once the bristles get worn down. The normal life span of a tooth brush is 3-4 months.

	PROPER BRUSHING Proper brushing helps minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, the major causes of tooth loss. Use a medium-bristle brush and fluoride  toothpaste to remove plaque and food particles. Replace your brush every three months.

On outer and inner surfaces, brush at a 45-degree angle in short, half-tooth-wide strokes against the gum line.

On chewing surfaces, hold the brush flat and brush back and forth.   On inside surfaces of front teeth, tilt brush vertically and use gentle up and down strokes with toe of brush.

Brush the tongue in a back-to-front sweeping motion to remove food particles and freshen your mouth.