back What
is the bet technique for brushing?
There are a number of effective brushing techniques. Patients are advixed
to check with their dentists or hygienist to determine which techniques
is best for them, since tooth position and gum condition vary.
One effective, easy
to remember technique involves using a circular elliptical motion to brush
a couple of teeth at a time, gradually covering the entire mouth.
Place a toothbrush
beside your teeth at a 45 degree angle and gently brush teeth in an elliptical
motion. Brush the outside of the teeth, inside the teeth, your tongue,
and the chewing surfaces in between teeth. Using a back and forth motion
causes the gum surface recede, or can expose the root surface or make
the root surface tender. You also risk wearing down the gum line.
Soft
or hard bristles?
In general, a toothbrush head should be small (1” by 1/2”) for easy access.
It should have a long, wide handle for a firm grasp. It should have soft
nylon bristles with round ends. Some brushes are too abrasive and can
wear down teeth. A soft, rounded brush can clean teeth effectively. Press
just firmly enough to reach the space between the teeth as well as the
surface. Medium and hard bristles are not recommended.
How
long should I brush?
It might be a good idea to brush with the radio on, since dentists generally
recommend brushing 3-4 minutes. The length of an average song. Using an
egg timer is another way to measure your brushing time. Patients generally
think they're brushing longer, but most spend less than a minute brushing.
To make sure you’re doing a thorough job and not missing any spots, patients
are advised to brush the full 3-4 minutes twice a day. Instead of brushing
quickly five or more times through the day.
Should
I brush at work?
Definitely, but most Americans don’t brush during the workday. Yet a survey
by Oral-B Laboratories and the Academy of General Dentistry shows if you
keep a toothbrush at work, the chances you will brush during day increase
by 65 percent. Dentists recommend keeping a toothbrush at work.
Getting the debris
off teeth right away stops sugary snacks from turning to damaging acids,
and catches starchy foods like potato chips before they turn to cavity
causing sugar. If you brush with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and
before going to bed, you don't even need to use toothpaste at work. You
can just brush and rinse before heading back to the desk. If you don't
have a toothbrush, rinsing Your mouth with water for 30 seconds after
lunch also helps.
The
following tips may improve your work-time brushing habits:
• Post a sticky note on your desk or computer at work as a reminder to
brush teeth after lunch.
• Brush teeth right after l lunch, before you be come absorbed in work.
• Store your toothbrush and toothpaste at work in a convenient and handy
place.
• Make brushing your teeth part of your freshening up routine at work. back
