Brushing Teeth Cleanly and Correctly Consists of
- Choosing a Toothbrush A good toothbrush should have a straight cross-section that is not too large, able to cover 2-3 teeth. The toothbrush handle should be comfortable to hold. The bristles should be soft to help reach between the teeth effectively. Choosing bristles that are too hard can cause tooth wear and lead to tooth sensitivity.
- Areas to Brush You should brush all sides thoroughly of every tooth at least 4-5 times, especially the tongue side of the lower teeth and the back side of the last molars, as well as the cheeks and tongue, which can be areas where plaque accumulates.
- Brushing Duration You should brush your teeth every time after meals and before bed. If this is not possible, at the very least, brush twice a day: in the morning and before bed, spending about 2 minutes each time.
- Choosing Toothpaste Toothpaste helps make brushing easier and cleaner. A good toothpaste should contain fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.
Steps for Proper Tooth Brushing
Proper tooth brushing means cleaning thoroughly and completely, brushing every tooth and all areas. Brushing horizontally with bristles that are too hard can cause gum recession, which becomes a site for plaque accumulation and tooth sensitivity. There are several brushing methods, but the two most popular are:
- Modified Bass Technique
- Roll Technique
Upper Teeth Brushing using the vibrate-and-sweep method (Modified Bass Technique) in all areas except the upper front teeth on the palate side and the lower front teeth on the tongue side, where the press-pull-sweep method (Roll Technique) may be used. Position the toothbrush handle parallel to the line of the upper front teeth in that area, press the tip of the bristles against the gum line, then pull the brush downward, keeping the bristles in contact with the tooth surface for the upper teeth or pulling upward for the lower teeth.
Lower Teeth Brushing For brushing the upper molars on the cheek and palate sides and the front teeth on the lip side (using the vibrate-and-sweep method), tilt the toothbrush about 45 degrees toward the gums. The bristle tips will slightly enter the gum crevice. Apply short back-and-forth strokes 3-4 times, then sweep the toothbrush toward the tooth surface down to the tooth tip. Repeat this 5-6 times.
Lower Molar Brushing On the cheek side, tongue side, and front teeth on the lip side (using the vibrate-and-sweep method), also tilt the toothbrush about 45 degrees toward the gums. The bristle tips will slightly enter the gum crevice. Apply short back-and-forth strokes 3-4 times, then sweep the toothbrush toward the tooth surface up to the tooth tip. Repeat this 5-6 times.
Brushing the Chewing Surfaces Place the bristles perpendicular to the chewing surfaces of the teeth and scrub back and forth 4-5 times, brushing thoroughly over the chewing surfaces.
Once you know how to brush your teeth cleanly, don’t forget to make it a habit. Another effective way to prevent tooth decay is to visit the dentist and have your teeth checked every 6 months.
