Toothbrushing
You might not think too much about it really. You grab your toothbrush, put on a bit of toothpaste and scrub around your teeth for a bit. Easy right? That will be okay, won’t it? How often you brush, how long you brush for, your brushing technique and the toothbrush you choose can each influence the effectiveness of your brushing. So, how should I brush my teeth?
It’s all about your technique
The following helpful advice from the Australian Dental Association will help you assess how your toothbrushing is tracking.
You should have a systematic in your toothbrushing. Start at the back of your mouth with your toothbrush on a 45° angle and the bristles of the brush level with your gum line. Brush gently in a circular motion. Be careful not to scrub too hard as this can cause your gums to recede, as well as causing damage to the white tooth enamel. Brush carefully along the inner, outer and chewing surfaces of each tooth, making sure you tip the toothbrush so you can reach the inner front areas of the teeth, which are often missed. Then, once you’ve brushed all your teeth, it’s time to move on to your tongue.
While it may seem strange at first to brush your tongue, doing so can reduce bacteria in your mouth. This can help with bad breath, officially known as halitosis or oral malodour . You should use the toothbrush bristles to gently scrape in a forward motion.
When you have finished brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste and do not rinse with water. By leaving the toothpaste residue on your teeth you are giving your teeth some extra ongoing protection.
What kind of toothbrush should I use?
Dr Bryan Dubbeldam has a great information video about selecting the best toothbrush for your needs:
If you have any questions about toothbrushing technique, toothbrush selection, floss, toothpaste, or any other oral health questions, feel free to contact us at Robelle Dental Centre and we’ll be happy to assist you. If you think you need an appointment to check your oral health, please book an appointment with our dentists in Springfield.
