By now, brushing your teeth has most likely become a habit; but are you sure you are doing it correctly? If teeth brushing is part of our routine, it’s essential to make sure it’s done right. After reading this article, you will have all the information about choosing a good brush, the best times to brush, and the techniques to keep your teeth clean. Moreover, you will find a 2-minute step-by-step guide from the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), a trusted brand in oral health information. Keep reading until the end for a fun brushing song to motivate your little ones to take care of their teeth.
Why is brushing properly important?
Plaque is to blame for cavities and more serious conditions such as gingivitis or periodontitis. But what is plaque? Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms from eating and drinking. If not removed, it can build up and harden, eroding tooth enamel. Brushing properly can disrupt the process of plaque accumulation and prevent major problems.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.5 billion people worldwide suffer from untreated tooth decay, 350 million are affected by complete tooth loss, and 1 billion are dealing with severe gum diseases. Notably, most of these drastic situations could be prevented by brushing in the right way.
Which one comes first: brush, times of brushing, or technique?
The short answer to this question is times of brushing, and the duration goes hand in hand with the technique of brushing. Hence, the brush comes last. Simply put, if you can’t afford a fancy electronic toothbrush, you are not missing out on much. Based on the American Dental Association (ADA) recommendation, brushing your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes each time will provide you with good oral hygiene and a beautiful smile.
Nevertheless, the ADA advises you to consider the following tips before choosing your brush:
- Consider the bristle: Choose a soft-bristled one that is gentle on your gums.
- Pay close attention to size: No one size fits all! Choose a brush that can reach all parts of your mouth easily.
- Change your brush every 3 to 4 months: Replace your brush before the bristles change shape or wear out. Toss the old brush and let it rest in peace.
Now that we know how to choose a brush, there are still some critical questions to ask: When should I brush? Should I brush before bed? Before breakfast or afterward?
Evenings: Our saliva plays a role in our mouth by acting as a shield against bacteria. However, during sleep, saliva production decreases. So, you need to brush your teeth before bed because the saliva shield is weakened, and your teeth become vulnerable. Brushing in the evening to remove bacteria from your mouth greatly contributes to oral health.
Mornings: Brushing before or after breakfast is a hot topic these days. But we don’t intend to confuse you with scientific studies. The simple answer is you can brush your teeth after breakfast but wait for 60 minutes. The reason is that the acids in food soften the enamel, which can self-repair in an hour. Brushing before this self-repair process means you are aiding the harmful acids.
What are the most effective methods of brushing?
The Modified Bass technique, Stillman technique, Fones technique, and Charter technique are four of the most effective ways to clean teeth. Some studies suggest the Modified Bass technique is the best way to prevent plaque in the short term.
In the Modified Bass technique, brush bristles move back and forth in a circular motion at a 45-degree angle. The Stillman technique is similar to the Modified Bass technique, with the brush placed close to the gumline. However, in the Stillman technique, a sweeping motion away from the gumline is also incorporated.
The main difference between the Fones technique and the previous two is that in the Fones technique, the bristle angle is 90 degrees, and circular motions are applied over the teeth. If you have braces or any orthodontic appliances, you will likely need the Charter technique. In this method, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline, pointing towards the chewing surface. This is different from the Bass and Stillman techniques. Gently move the brush in small circles or back-and-forth motions for 15 to 20 seconds.
Watch: 4 Brushing Techniques (Bass, Charters, Modified Stillman, Fones)
How to Properly Brush Your Teeth in Simple Steps
If you’re unsure which method to use for brushing your teeth correctly, follow these five steps introduced by the CDA. Once you master this simple technique, you can always switch to other techniques to maintain your oral health.
Step 1:The optimum angle for brushing is 45 degrees. Place the bristles at the junction of your gum and teeth at a 45-degree angle. Then, without any pressure, move the brush in a circular, up-and-down motion.
Step 2: Clean every surface of every tooth, including the chewing surface, cheek side, and tongue side.
Step 3: Aim for 2 minutes of brushing with the same pattern. Give your teeth a complete massage.
Step 4: Don’t forget to brush your tongue.
Step 5: Remember the tips for choosing a good brush.
The oral health of your child is important
Childhood is the best time to learn lifelong skills, and proper brushing should be one of these skills. Children can develop tooth decay even if they still have baby teeth. This is called Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD). The Government of Canada reports that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in Canada and worldwide. Just like in adulthood, prevention is the best way to tackle this issue. Although it may seem harder to persuade a child to brush their teeth regularly, there are resources, such as songs and games, that can help. Here is a simple yet factual song to entertain and educate your child.
Watch: Brush Your Teeth | Kids Songs
In a nutshell, tooth decay and other dental conditions can be both painful and costly to address. In contrast, learning an effective way of brushing can make a huge difference in oral health and prevention. Regardless of your toothbrush, cleaning the plaque gathered around your gums and teeth twice a day will be effective. Use the simple technique of circular and up-and-down motions at a 45-degree angle for both yourself and your children.
References:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/all-topics-a-z/brushing-your-teeth
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220718-the-best-way-to-brush-your-teeth
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/01/well/live/brushing-teeth-breakfast.html
http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/dental_care/flossing_brushing.asp
