How to Brush Your Teeth Properly: Correct Technique Explained
Toothbrushing is key to maintaining good dental hygiene for both adults and children. It assists in removing bacteria and plaque from our mouths, preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
At Canley Heights Dental Care, we recommend that our patients brush their teeth twice daily. The best times to do so are first thing in the morning and before bed, as this helps to remove bacteria that accumulate overnight and throughout the day.
But simply brushing your teeth isn’t enough—you need to do it the right way. Proper brushing is crucial in maintaining oral health, preventing cavities, and keeping your breath fresh.
The Correct Toothbrushing Technique
Brushing your teeth effectively takes 2 minutes. Unfortunately, most adults brush for less than half this time. You can use a stopwatch to avoid underdoing or overdoing the time you spend brushing your teeth.
Step-by-Step Brushing Guide:
- Start with the proper grip. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums.
- Use gentle, circular motions. Plaque and bacteria are best removed from your teeth and gum line with short, light strokes. Additionally, this shields your enamel and gums. Too much brushing can erode tooth enamel and cause gum recession.
- Divide your mouth into sections. Spend about 30 seconds on each quadrant:
- Outer surfaces (upper and lower)
- Inner surfaces (upper and lower)
- Chewing surfaces (upper and lower)
- Tongue and inside of cheeks
- Use up-and-down strokes for inner surfaces. To clean the rear of your front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and use light pressure.
- Rinse thoroughly. Spit out excess toothpaste and rinse with water or an alcohol-free mouthwash.
This technique lowers your risk of cavities and plaque accumulation by efficiently cleaning your teeth surfaces.
Choosing the Right Toothbrush
Our experienced dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head.
The soft brushes are mild on your teeth and gums, and the small head allows you to brush the hard-to-reach areas in your mouth, like your molars.
Powered toothbrushes are also a great option. They deliver a good clean and sometimes your toothbrushing for you!
Your toothbrush will likely show signs of wear after 3 months, at which point you should replace it.
At your next appointment, discuss the best toothbrush options with your dentist. They will be happy to help you find the right one.
The Importance of the Right Toothpaste
The toothpaste you use will impact the effectiveness of your toothbrushing. With so many options lining the shelves, knowing which one to choose can be hard.
It pays to choose a toothpaste that is right for you, as toothpastes are designed for many conditions. Some conditions are gingivitis, tartar, stained teeth, and sensitive teeth.
Our dentists also recommend using a fluoride-based toothpaste. This provides extra protection against decay, helps strengthen enamel, and reduces the risk of cavities.
Additional Oral Hygiene Tips
Brushing your teeth is just one part of a good oral hygiene routine. Here are other essential habits to keep your smile healthy:
1. Floss Daily
Brushing alone cannot reach all the areas between your teeth. Flossing lowers your risk of periodontal disease and cavities by removing debris from food and plaque from hard-to-reach areas that a toothbrush cannot.
2. Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help eliminate microorganisms, improve breath quality, and strengthen enamel. If you have sensitive gums, choose an alcohol-free mouthwash.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
Strong teeth depend on a balanced diet with dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid excessive sugar and acidic foods, which can erode enamel and lead to decay.
4. Stay Hydrated
Water keeps your mouth clean all day by washing away bacteria and food particles. It also encourages the production of saliva, which is necessary to neutralise acids.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Professional cleanings and routine dental exams help prevent issues before they get out of hand. Your dentist can identify early indicators of gum disease, decay, and other oral health problems to provide prompt treatment.
Common Brushing Mistakes to Avoid
Many people unknowingly make mistakes while brushing, such as:
- Excessive brushing can cause gum irritation and enamel erosion.
- If you use a toothbrush for too long, replace it every three months or when bristles fray.
- Neglecting the tongue can harbour bacteria and cause bad breath.
Oral Hygiene in Canley Heights
As you can see, there’s more to toothbrushing than just how you do it. Your technique, choice of toothbrush and toothpaste all contribute to the effectiveness of your dental hygiene routine.
Our friendly dentists and hygienists are happy to discuss the correct toothbrushing technique during your appointment and give you some personalised recommendations.
To book an appointment at our family dental practice in Canley Heights, please call us.
Contact us at (02) 9199 9678 or visit 1/229 Canley Vale Road in Canley Heights.
