Let’s face it. For many people, toothbrushing is just an oral care routine – it's something we do every day when we get up or before we go to bed. But, did you know that brushing your teeth is not just essential for having pearly white teeth and fresh breath, but it is also important for keeping you fit and healthy. That is why we must know how to brush our teeth properly. This article explains everything you should know while brushing your teeth.
There are many ways in which you can brush your teeth. However, not every brushing technique may be suitable for you. Here we explain a few brushing techniques so that you can assess, in consultation with our dentists, regarding the one which suits your dental needs best.
This is the most commonly used brushing technique. It involves placing the toothbrush in a horizontal position in relation to the teeth. The tooth surfaces are cleaned by using short, gentle back-and-forth strokes. Afterwards, the tongue and the chewing surfaces of the teeth are cleaned while keeping the toothbrush in a vertical position. Despite its widespread usage of this technique, it is not recommended, especially for those who use excessive force during brushing as it can lead to gum recession and root sensitivity.
this brushing technique is designed to ensure optimal plaque removal from under the gums before it hardens to become calculus and causes inflammation and gum recession. To brush your teeth with the bass method, place your toothbrush parallel to your teeth such that the bristles are oriented towards the gums. Now, tilt the toothbrush at an angle of 45˚ and move the bristles under the gumline and move the toothbrush in a back-and-forth manner using 15-20 short strokes. Once you’re done, move towards the next region, thereby cleaning all the surfaces of your teeth and gums in this way. Finally, clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth and the tongue as well.
From our experience, this technique works best in adults as it is effective in removing plaque and food debris.
This technique is similar to the Bass method with a slight modification – the brush is moved back and forth while maintaining a light vertical pressure. This technique is beneficial for people who have gum recession, or where gum stimulation is required. It is also helpful in removing plaque and food debris form the tight spaces between the teeth and the exposed root surfaces (in case of gum recession).
This method is usually used in addition to the bass or Stillman's technique. It involves holding the toothbrush such that the bristles are parallel to the roots. A rolling motion of the brush is then performed which cleans the gums and the buccal and lingual surfaces of the teeth. The other tooth surfaces and the tongue are cleaned using the Bass or Stillman’s technique.
When you visit the market, you will find numerous brands of toothbrushes that are flooding the counters. What toothbrushes are suitable for you? Here are some factors to consider:
As mentioned above, there isn’t one specific type of toothbrush that’s been proven to be more effective. Instead, it’s best to choose a toothbrush that takes into account both professional recommendations and your personal preferences.
