What is the best technique for brushing?
There are a number of effective brushing techniques. Patients are advised to check with
their dentist or hygienist to determine which is the best one for them since tooth
position and gum condition vary. One effective, easy-to-remember technique involves using
a circular or elliptical motion to brush a couple of teeth at a time, gradually covering
the entire mouth. Place a toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle and gently
brush teeth in an elliptical motion. Brush the outside of the teeth, inside the teeth,
your tongue and the chewing surfaces and in between teeth. Using a back and forth motion
causes the gum surface to recede, or can expose the root surface or make the root surface
tender. You also risk wearing down the gum line.
Soft or hard bristles?
In general, a toothbrush head should be small (1" by 1/2") for easy access. It
should have a long, wide handle for a firm grasp. It should have soft, nylon bristles with
round ends. Some brushes are too abrasive and can wear down teeth. A soft, rounded,
multi-tufted brush can clean teeth effectively. Press just firmly enough to reach the
spaces between the teeth as well as the surface. Medium and hard bristles are not
recommended.
How long should I brush?
It might be a good idea to brush with the radio on, since dentists generally recommend
brushing 3-4 minutes the length of an average song. Using an egg timer is another way to
measure your brushing time. Patients generally think they're brushing longer, but most
spend less than a minute brushing. To make sure you're doing a thorough job and not
missing any spots, patients are advised to brush the full 3-4 minutes twice a day instead
of brushing quickly five or more times through the day.
Should I brush at work?
Definitely, but most Americans don't brush during the workday. Dentists say it's a good
idea to keep a toothbrush in your desk, which increases the chances that you'll brush
during the day by 65 percent, according to a recent survey released by Oral-B Laboratories
and the Academy of General Dentistry. Getting the debris off teeth right away stops sugary
snacks from turning to damaging acids, and catches starchy foods like potato chips before
they turn to cavity-causing sugar. If you brush with fluoride toothpaste in the morning
and before going to bed, you don't even need to use toothpaste at work. You can just brush
and rinse before heading back to the desk. If you don't have a toothbrush, rinsing your
mouth with water for 30 seconds after lunch also helps.
The following tips may improve your work-time brushing habits:
