Showering, shaving and brushing your teeth. Like most people, you probably perform your hygiene routine each day without giving it much thought.
But, your teeth-cleaning technique may need a tune-up. If you don't brush correctly, you leave behind disease-causing bacteria in your mouth. This can lead to serious oral health problems.
The importance of brushing
Brushing your teeth removes plaque from the surface of your teeth. Plaque is a sticky bacteria that covers your teeth. Every time you eat or drink, plaque releases acids that destroy tooth enamel. Cavities can occur when the enamel breaks down.
Plaque also forms between teeth, where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Flossing is the only way to get rid of this between-the-teeth bad guy.
If you do not brush and floss each day to get rid of the plaque, tartar builds up. This can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a serious infection that causes tooth decay and tooth loss. Some studies now show that gum disease may increase your risk of other health conditions, like heart disease and stroke.
Choosing your toothbrush and toothpaste
Your toothbrush and toothpaste are your first lines of defense against plaque. Not all brushes and pastes are created equal, though.
Toothbrush
Choose a toothbrush that:
- Has soft bristles.
- Fits well in your mouth. The size and shape do not matter, as long as it fits comfortably.
Change your toothbrush (or the head of the toothbrush if you use an electric one) every three to four months or as soon as the bristles become bent or frayed. Older toothbrushes do not work as well as new ones.
Plus, over time, toothbrushes can trap harmful bacteria in their bristles. If you're sick, change your toothbrush at the start of your illness and again when you're feeling better.
Toothpaste
Don't let the toothpaste aisle of your grocery or drug store overwhelm you. Make sure you select a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride prevents tooth decay.
Electric vs. manual toothbrushes
Manual and electric toothbrushes both work equally well to remove plaque. Experts agree that how well you use your toothbrush is more important than which type of toothbrush you use.
Electric toothbrushes may clean your mouth more quickly than a manual toothbrush, though. They may be suggested to people who:
- Have limited manual dexterity, such as seniors and disabled individuals
- Wear braces
Steps for proper brushing
Brushing works best when it's done correctly. Follow these steps when using a manual toothbrush:
- Brush your teeth at least twice each day.
- Place the bristles of the toothbrush where the gum meets the tooth at a 45-degree angle. This way, the bristles clean under the gum line. Make sure the bristles are touching both the gums and tooth surfaces.
- Move the toothbrush back and forth using a rolling motion. Brush the outer surfaces of 2 to 3 teeth at a time. Then move to the next group of 2 to 3 teeth and repeat. Be gentle. Brushing too hard can injure the gums and make them more susceptible to gum disease.
- Use the same technique to brush all of your inner tooth surfaces.
- Tilt the toothbrush vertically to clean the inner part of your front teeth. Use an up and down motion with the tip of the toothbrush to thoroughly clean these teeth.
- To clean the chewing surfaces of teeth, put the toothbrush bristles directly on the surface and use a back and forth motion to clean.
- Bacteria also grows on your tongue. Brush your tongue from front to back to remove bacteria.
- The total tooth brushing process should take at least 2 minutes.
- When you are done brushing, spit the extra toothpaste out into the sink. Do not swallow it.
- Rinse the toothbrush and your mouth with water.
Other tips for dental health
Good teeth-brushing is just one piece of the good oral health puzzle. Also be sure to:
- Floss once each day.
- Get regular dental checkups.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Do not smoke. If you do, quit.
