How to brush your teeth

Dentists recommend brushing teeth after every meal or, at least, two or three times a day. The most important brushing is done before going to sleep, because during sleep the movements of the tongue and the production of saliva decrease, and this favors the appearance of bacterial plaque.

Brushing teeth, therefore, should become a habit, and the technique used to remove dental plaque is vital, because if brushing is not adequate it does not meet its objective. An example of improper brushing is to move the brush vigorously from side to side.

Although it seems the simplest way to brush the teeth is not effective, because it does not remove the bacterial plaque from the entire tooth surface, but it drags it over the denture and, in addition, can damage the enamel of the teeth and irritate the gums.

Techniques to brush your teeth well

There are different techniques of brushing, and each person must choose the one that is most comfortable and effective, taking into account that it is essential to perform all the movements as thoroughly and rigorously as possible, and for a sufficient time, since it depends on the correct elimination of bacterial plaque and, therefore, oral health. The most accepted brushing technique is modified Bass.

Modified Bass technique: consists of placing the toothbrush with an angle of 45 with respect to the major axis of the tooth, and perform vibration movements for several seconds for each group of teeth. This technique is also the most appropriate for patients with periodontal problems.

Scrubbing or horizontal technique: it is the most recommended for children, for the marked dental anatomy they present, and because it is easy to start using the toothbrush. In this technique, horizontal movements are used.

Circular or Fines technique: it is intended for the little ones due to their lack of skill to handle the brush. It is a question of performing ample circular movements with the child’s mouth closed, moving the brush from the edge of the gum of the upper tooth to the lower tooth. In this way the plaque is removed and the gums are massaged.

It is necessary to brush your teeth after each meal, for at least two minutes (better if there are three), and performing all movements correctly, so that brushing is effective. At night, before sleeping, brushing should be exhaustive, since it is when there is more risk of bacterial proliferation and, therefore, of caries.

It is advisable that they also brush their tongue and palate, as well as massage the gums, to activate blood circulation and favor the elimination of the remains of food that may have accumulated between tooth and gum.