 We all think that we know how to brush correctly, but do we really? It’s important to brush regularly and correctly to disrupt and remove plaque – a colourless , sticky film of bacteria that grows on and in between our teeth and along the gum line. Without removing I, plaque can accumulate and cause cavities, bleeding gums and destruction of tooth-supporting bone, and even tooth loss. Brush at least twice a day for two minutes - each quadrant should be brushed for at least 30 seconds.
USE TOOTHPASTE AND A GOOD QUALITY TOOTHBRUSH
Electric toothbrushes with a rotation oscillation action have been proven to remove more plaque than regular manual brushes. However, SONIC ELECTRIC toothbrushes are more effective according to Dr. Keshnea.
Brushing technique for manual toothbrushes
Here’s one frequently recommended method using a manual toothbrush.
- For the outer tooth surface, place the toothbrush at a 45° angle toward
the gum line. Use gentle, short circular strokes, moving the brush
back and forth against the teeth and gums.
- Use this same motion to clean the inner and chewing tooth surfaces.
- To clean the inner front tooth surfaces, hold the brush upright and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the tip of the brush.
- Don’t forget to brush along the gum line, and make sure you reach the
teeth right at the back. Also give your tongue a brushing – it’ll help
keep your breath fresh.
Brushing technique for electric toothbrushes
The brushing action of electric toothbrushes is very different from manual toothbrushes. However, it is very easy to adapt and learn how to brush using electric toothbrushes. Refer to the brushing instructions supplied with your electric toothbrush. Instructions for using the range of rotation oscillation action electric toothbrushes are as follows:
- Guide the brush head slowly from tooth to tooth, following the curve of
the gum and the shape of each tooth. Hold the brush head in place for a
few seconds before moving on to the next tooth.
- Don’t forget to reach all the areas, including the inner and chewing surfaces, and behind your back teeth.
- Direct the brush head along the gum line.
Correct brushing tips
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It is important that you brush your teeth twice every day to remove the accumulation of plaque and food debris from your tooth surfaces. Use a good quality toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.
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To keep teeth healthy you need to visit your dentist regularly and use a correct brushing technique.
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Remember to change your toothbrush every 3 months as recommended by your dentist.
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Brush your tongue to avoid bad breath
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Ask your dentist to show you how to brush correctly and ask your dentist which toothbrush variant is best to meet your individual dental needs.
Additional facts for correct brushing
You should also remember to replace your toothbrush at least every 3 months as recommended by your dentist, or sooner if the bristles appear worn or splayed. New toothbrushes can remove more plaque than ones that are worn.
Good oral hygiene starts with using toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste which help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing your teeth at least twice daily helps avoid cavities and gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque (a sticky white film of proteins and bacteria constantly forming on your teeth), particularly the plaque closer to your gums and in the interdental spaces.
The bacteria produce by-products that can irritate gums and damage teeth. This can lead to gingivitis - the first stage of gum disease. If detected early, and with proper oral hygiene and regular dentist visits, gingivitis can be reversed because no permanent damage occurs. If ignored, gingivitis can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis (where the gums and the bones that support and keep your teeth in place are permanently damaged). Therefore, you can lose your teeth. You may be surprised to learn that most tooth loss in adults is not caused by tooth decay, but by gum disease.
Preventing gum disease
Cleaning your teeth using a toothbrush (your dentist can advise which variant is best for you), helps to remove plaque on your teeth. Whether you use a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, you should change your toothbrush or brushhead every 3 months, as recommended by your dentist.
After brushing your teeth you should also floss daily to clean the spaces between your teeth and below the gum line – areas not well reached by brushing.
Tooth loss due to gum disease is not an inevitable part of ageing – it’s in your control. If you brush and floss daily, have regular check-ups with your dentist and use a toothpaste that contains fluoride you will improve the chances of maintaining healthy teeth and gums throughout your life.
EACH QUADRANT SHOULD BE BRUSHED FOR AT LEAST 30 SECONDS, TWICE DAILY.
Flossing benefits
 The benefits of flossing start from day one and provide major benefits to your teeth and gums – the sooner you start the better. After flossing, your teeth and gums are cleaner because the floss reaches areas your toothbrush can’t. Even if it feels awkward at first, keep going as you’ll soon notice the difference. Make it part of your daily routine.
Don’t worry if your gums bleed at first – this is quite common. After a few days of flossing the bleeding should stop. If bleeding persists consult your dentist. Ask your dentist to show you how to floss correctly.
How to floss
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Take about 50cm of floss and wrap most of it loosely around each middle finger (wrapping more around one finger than the other). Leave 5cm of floss in between.
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With your thumbs and index fingers, hold the floss taut and gently slide it down between your teeth. Be careful not to snap it onto your gums.
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Curve the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape and gently move it up and down the sides of each tooth, including under the gumline. Unroll a new section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.
Follow an interdental cleaning plan – ask your dentist for a diagram showing the areas of your mouth that you should pay special attention to.
Resources: Oral-B Miniatlas
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Dental Health 
