5 Techniques to Proper Toothbrushing

Candy! Cookies! Cake! Popcorn! Soda! Ok; now that I have your attention.

How sweet tasting such treats are and who doesn’t love them? Your teeth do not! 32 of the best friends you could ever hope to have who provide you the means to proper digestion of food which gives your body good overall health. Nevertheless, we all have a sweet tooth we like to indulge.

The sweet party comes to an end, usually in the middle of the night or on a weekend when my office is closed, and a tooth not properly brushed and filled with decay gets the cavity which begins the throbbing that wakes my future patient up saying words such as:

“Ooooh--If only I had brushed better!”

I don’t want any of my patients to have to endure such a plight and so I offer you five steps to ensure proper brushing of teeth.

1.  The Right Toothpaste: Use ADA (American Dental Association) approved fluoride toothpaste.

2. The Correct Brush: A good toothbrush should have the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. Soft bristles are best and the brush should fit your mouth so you can reach all areas easily, front to back. Brush teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.  Replace toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or as you see bristles getting frayed.

3. The Correct Position:  Place brush at 45-degree angle to the gums.

4.  Movement of Brush:  Use short  ‘tooth wide’ strokes, gently moving brush back and forth; for two minutes time getting to the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth. To clean inside surface of front teeth, tilt brush vertically to make several up and down strokes.

5.  The Tongue:  Brush tongue to remove bacteria and keep breath fresh.


Of course, Dental floss should be the last step in the teeth cleaning process to remove lingering particles of bacteria that get in-between teeth and eat away at the enamel of a tooth.  Follow up flossing with a fluoride mouth rinse and, of course, the six-month check-up and professional teeth cleaning.   Follow these steps habitually and you certainly can indulge that sweet tooth every now and again.  Enjoy;  without guilt!

photo credit: DSC_6136 via photopin (license)

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