Do you really know how to brush your teeth?
Brushing your teeth is the way to keep cavities at bay, gums healthy and breath fresh. A seemingly simple routine, integrated into most people’s daily lives, but which also has its technique and is not always done well.
The most important thing is to always follow the same pattern. Have a routine in which absolutely all teeth are brushed, as well as the soft tissues, including the tongue, and the interdental space.
There are several techniques when brushing your teeth, the most recommended is the so-called Modified Bass Technique: The brush should be placed at a 45-degree angle at the junction of the tooth and the gum. The aim is for the filaments to clean the gingival sulcus – the space between the tooth and the gum – which is where plaque accumulates the most.
With the brush well positioned, rotating movements are made from front to back on all the teeth. A ritual that should last at least two minutes.
The most important brushing? Undoubtedly the last brushing of the day. At night there is hardly any saliva production, the pH of our mouth drops and the risk of caries increases considerably.
CHILDREN’S THING
Creating a good dental hygiene habit in children is essential. It should be started from the first tooth so that they get used to this routine and they should be supervised until they are eight years old.
When they are babies, they should be brushed without toothpaste until the spitting reflex is generated, after which an appropriate toothpaste with the right proportion of fluoride should be used.
1. ELECTRIC OR MANUAL?
If used with good technique, a conventional brush is sufficient. It is recommended that it has a small brush head, synthetic bristles and medium hardness.
2.TOOTHPASTE
It should contain an appropriate amount of fluoride. A small amount is sufficient.
3.A GOOD TECHNIQUE
Most dentists recommend brushing using the Modified Bass Technique. The brush is placed at a 45 degree angle at the junction between the tooth and the gum, the area where plaque accumulates the most.
4.CHRONOMETER IN HAND
Brushing is carried out with an anterior-posterior vibrating movement. To finish cleaning, the area is swept downwards (for the upper part) or upwards (for the lower part). This should last at least 2 minutes.
5.THE TONGUE, THE GREAT FORGOTTEN ONE
During brushing, attention should be paid to the soft tissues of the mouth such as the tongue. There are specific cleaning tools, but a dragging movement with the brush itself is enough.
6.YES TO DENTAL FLOSS
It is recommended to use it once a day as there are areas that are very difficult to reach with a toothbrush. If there is a lot of space between the teeth, it is advisable to use an interdental brush or an oral irrigator.
7.IF YOUR GUMS BLEED
Healthy gums do not bleed. The floss should be slid between the teeth with subtle movements that do not injure the gums.
8. FOR THE LAZY
If you do not have a good brushing technique, rely on electric toothbrushes with an oscillating rotating movement. Just rest the brush head on the tooth and move it across the whole mouth. Don’t forget the tongue.
9.NO SWEETS
Sticky and sugary foods are the main allies of plaque.
10. When to CHANGE THE BRUSH?
The toothbrush should be replaced after three months or when the filaments have started to open. The correct way to hold it is the same way you would hold a biro, thus regulating the pressure and protecting the gums.
11. NO TREATS BEFORE BEDTIME
Snacking just before going to bed is highly damaging to the enamel and is a very common habit. The absence of salivation during sleep leaves teeth particularly vulnerable to bacteria.
