Tooth Brushing Techniques | Correct Brushing
The term “tooth brushing techniques” refers to specific procedures used to maintain oral hygiene by brushing the teeth and gums. You should brush your teeth correctly to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, keep your breath fresh and your smile bright.
There are many different ways to brush your teeth, but they all involve brushing the teeth and gums with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
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Choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste is the first step in brushing your teeth. It is very important to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to protect the gums. Plaque removal can be more effective with an electric toothbrush, but a manual toothbrush can also be effective if used correctly.
The toothbrush should then be moistened and lightly coated with toothpaste. Too much toothpaste can be swallowed, which can cause gastrointestinal problems, so it is very important to use only a pea-sized amount.
To help freshen breath, rinse the mouth with mouthwash at the end. It is very important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, before going to bed and in the morning. In addition, it is a good idea to brush your teeth as soon as possible after eating, especially if you have eaten sugary or acidic foods.
When you brush your teeth correctly, you can prevent gum disease and tooth decay, as well as keep your breath fresh and your smile bright.
Encourage your child to brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice, morning and evening. Harder bristles can be too abrasive for young children.
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When to Start Brushing Teeth?
Good oral hygiene should start at an early age. The baby’s mouth can be cleaned after each feeding. Start by holding your baby’s head with one hand and wiping the baby’s mouth with a clean wet gauze, wet cloth or xylitol cloth with your free hand. The child’s teeth should be brushed after the first tooth appears.
General Brushing Tips
- Brush a baby’s teeth by wetting a soft-bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush with water. If fluoride toothpaste is intended to be used before the child’s first birthday, it is best to consult a dentist or paediatrician first.
- If fluoride toothpaste is used for children at medium or high risk of decay, use less than a pea-sized amount for children under 2 years old and a pea-sized amount for children 2-5 years old. Parents should brush the teeth of these toddlers in the bath while watching them.
- Children aged 6-8 years can brush their teeth on their own. Parents should check their child’s teeth if they are unsure whether certain areas of their child’s mouth are missing.
- Battery-operated toothbrushes can also be used to gently remove the sticky film called plaque from the teeth and gums.
- Your child’s toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months, or sooner if it is worn or frayed. After a cold or flu, it is also a good idea to change the toothbrush to prevent the germs associated with these conditions from reappearing.
- Toddlers (under 2 years of age) should spit out the toothpaste as best they can with parental guidance after brushing, as they are learning the process of expectoration (spitting) at this age and the addition of fluoride will make the enamel stronger. Children (2-5 years) can rinse their teeth with a small amount of water after brushing.
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Brushing and Flossing Steps
Since young children may not know how to brush their teeth properly, parents should provide help. Parents can teach their children how to brush and floss by following these key steps.
How to Brush?
Step 1: To properly brush children’s teeth, the parent or child should hold a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums of the upper and lower teeth.
Step 2: The toothbrush should be moved slowly in short strokes back and forth along the teeth and gums. This technique should be continued similarly along the inner and outer surface of each tooth.
Step 3: The tip of the brush should be placed upright to reach the back of the upper and lower front teeth.
Step 4: Brush the tongue to remove surface bacteria.
How to Use Dental Floss?
Step 1: For better control, hold a short length of the floss between your thumb and forefinger and twist it around one finger at each end.
Step 2: Create a ‘C’ shaped curve around each tooth and gently slide the floss up and down along the edge of the tooth and below the gum line.
Step 3: A new piece of floss should be used for each tooth to prevent food and plaque from re-locating.
Step 4: An interdental brush can be used to clean between tooth surfaces with gaps.
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Lifetime Continuity
Regular visits to the dentist should start about six months after the first tooth appears or after the child’s first birthday. When a child is taught a new skill at an early age, they are likely to continue this behaviour into adulthood.
Teaching proper brushing and flossing techniques is important for developing good oral hygiene habits.
How to Apply Tooth Brushing Techniques?
Brushing techniques should be used to maintain oral hygiene and prevent gum disease and tooth decay. The best technique for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences among the various techniques that can be used.
Following these six steps will help you brush your teeth properly:
- Choose the right toothbrush: It is very important to choose a toothbrush that suits your needs. It is generally recommended to use a soft-bristled toothbrush because they are gentler on the gums and less likely to irritate them.
- Wet your toothbrush: Rinse your toothbrush under running water to moisten the bristles. If you like, you can also rub a little toothpaste on the bristles.
- Place the toothbrush on your teeth: Hold the toothbrush against your teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Verify that the bristles are in contact with the teeth and gums.
- Use a circular motion: Gently move the toothbrush in small, circular motions to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Make sure you brush your teeth from top to bottom and front to back. You should also brush your tongue to get rid of bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Spit and rinse: After spitting out the toothpaste, wet your toothbrush and mouth thoroughly. Make sure to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly to get rid of any leftover toothpaste or residue.
- Floss: Use dental floss to clean between your teeth and along the gum line. This removes plaque and food debris that your toothbrush cannot remove.
It is very important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, at bedtime and in the morning. Use toothpaste containing fluoride to help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
