Methods of Brushing

If there’s one thing that dental disease has going for it, it’s that it’s avoidable. Brushing your teeth twice a day is your first line of protection; but, if you don’t brush correctly, dangerous bacterial plaque can slip in and cause tooth decay and gum disease. We’ll look at several alternative teeth brushing techniques to see how they might help you get the job done more efficiently.

You know that maintaining good dental hygiene is important for your smile and general health, but how will you know whether you’re doing so? All of your questions regarding brushing your teeth will be answered, including how long you should brush for, how to detect if your teeth are clean, and how to conduct a thorough cleaning.

Brushing properly takes at least two minutes. Two minutes might feel like an eternity to some people, especially youngsters. You may make it more enjoyable by using a timer. Automatic timers are included in certain electric toothbrushes to promote brushing for two minutes.

Brushing for more than two minutes is not hazardous as long as strong but moderate pressure is used. Too much pressure on the teeth can damage the enamel and gum tissue, resulting in tooth sensitivity and inflamed gums. Brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand to see how much pressure is applied to your teeth.

Let’s have a look at the various ways and how you may profit from them.

Brushing around and beneath the gum line, where germs and plaque tend to collect, is critical to preventing and managing gum disease. This method is beneficial for those who have periodontitis. The toothbrush bristles reach into the gums in the Bass technique of brushing to scrape plaque away before it forms into tartar and causes gum disease:

• Brush your teeth with the bristles toward the gums, parallel to your teeth.
• Move the bristles slightly under the gum line by tilting the brush to a 45-degree angle.
• Wiggle or vibrate the brush back and forth or use a tiny circular motion 15 to 20 times before moving on to the next region, using firm yet delicate pressure and keeping the bristles under the gum tissue. Brushing two to three teeth at a time is recommended.
• Brush the whole outside surface of the teeth and then the tongue side using the same method.
• Hold the toothbrush in a vertical posture and brush the insides of the front teeth using the bristles on the toe of the brush, making sure they go beneath the gum tissue.
• Brush your molar teeth’ chewing surfaces, as well as your tongue.

Brushing with the Stillman method is similar to brushing with the Bass method, however, it may help remove more dirt from between the teeth. It is suggested for people who have gingivitis. To apply this technique, start by vibrating the brush under the gum line, then moving it toward the chewing surface of the tooth and using quick back-and-forth strokes. Half of the bristles should be covering the gums and the other half should be on the tooth surface while using this technique.

Your dentist may prescribe the Charter technique of brushing if you have gaps between your teeth, have exposed root surfaces, or have had periodontal surgery or gum recession. People who use orthodontic equipment or permanent partial dentures might benefit from this approach as well.

• Position the bristles at a 45-degree angle on the gumline, aiming toward the chewing surface or crown of the tooth. The Bass and Stillman method is the polar opposite of this stance.
• Use short circular strokes or tiny back and forth motions to gently vibrate the brush for 15 to 20 counts, then relocate the brush to the next region.
• Brush all tooth surfaces, including inner and exterior, as well as the chewing surfaces of the molars, in the same pattern throughout the mouth.

Although this may appear overwhelming, modified versions of the Bass, Stillman, and Charter methods exist. Following the basic approach of whichever method you select, you simply roll or sweep the bristles toward the chewing surfaces after brushing an area. This motion cleans the whole tooth surface and removes dirt trapped between the teeth. The sweeping action also protects the sulcus from injury (the space between teeth and gums).

What exactly are you cleaning your teeth with? Adult teeth require the proper sort of toothpaste for best dental care, even if children do not brush with toothpaste at first. But don’t just pick any toothpaste; fluoride toothpaste is especially efficient in removing plaque-causing germs and leaving your breath minty fresh after each brush.

Using an efficient brushing method is a step forward, but you’ll need the right equipment for any project. Every three to four months, replace your toothbrush. Brushes that are worn and ragged do not clean effectively, and older brushes might house bacteria. Remember to use fluoride toothpaste to build tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay, and floss at least once a day to clean between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. It’s simple to get a grasp on dental disease: all you have to do is wrap your hand around a toothbrush. So, if you want to try one of these teeth brushing procedures but aren’t sure which one to use, talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about it.

They may tailor any of these procedures to your specific needs, and with some one-on-one training, you’ll be brushing like a pro in no time.

Do you have any brushing-technique questions? To make an appointment with your dentist, call Advanced Dental Specialists at (908) 679-8551.