Facts on
Brushing
What is the best technique for brushing?
There are a number of effective brushing techniques. Patients are advised to
check with their dentist or hygienist to determine which is the best one for
them since tooth position and gum condition vary. One effective,
easy-to-remember technique involves using a circular or 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 and in between teeth. Using a back and forth
motion causes the gum surface to 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, multi-tufted brush can clean teeth
effectively. Press just firmly enough to reach the spaces 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. Dentists say
it's a good idea to keep a toothbrush in your desk, which increases the chances
that you'll brush during the day by 65 percent, according to a recent survey
released by Oral-B Laboratories and the Academy of General Dentistry. 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 lunch, before you become 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.
Sources:
Barbara Ann Rich, DDS, Cherry Hill, New Jersey;
Oral-B Laboratories;
"Snack Smart for Healthy Teeth."
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