Dry Brushing is a long-standing oral and dental care method, but it is not very popular. Many people still wonder if this brushing method can really clean the teeth effectively.
‘Dry brushing’ is brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste without using water like regular brushing. The person brushing does not rinse with water before or after brushing, so while brushing, there is no water or foam filling the mouth, making it a convenient method.
How to Brush Teeth Dry
- Squeeze toothpaste onto a regular toothbrush without dipping the brush in water or rinsing the mouth beforehand.
- Brush all teeth thoroughly in the same manner as regular brushing.
- Brush for about 2 minutes to ensure the entire mouth is cleaned. After brushing, spit out the toothpaste foam without rinsing with water.
- After dry brushing, avoid drinking water or eating for at least half an hour.
That completes the dry brushing process, which is almost the same as regular brushing except without water, making it more convenient. Since there is no rinsing with water, the tooth surface is coated with fluoride longer and more effectively, enhancing cavity prevention. This method provides better oral and dental care than wet brushing.
Advantages of Dry Brushing
- It is more effective in preventing cavities than rinsing with water after brushing because fluoride in the toothpaste remains in the mouth longer, adhering more to the tooth surface, thus providing longer-lasting cavity protection.
- After brushing, fluoride concentration in the toothpaste is highest during the first half hour. The fluoride remaining during this period is very beneficial in helping repair the tooth surface, thereby improving cavity prevention.
All types of brushing should be done at least twice a day, after breakfast and before bedtime, and each session should last no less than 2 minutes. While brushing, food debris and plaque between teeth should be thoroughly removed. The effectiveness of dental care can be enhanced by flossing before brushing to open the tooth surface, allowing fluoride from the toothpaste to better repair the tooth surface during dry brushing.
Dr. Jureenath Uraithanakul
General Dentist
Dental Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
