Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums: Tooth Brushing

Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums: Tooth Brushing

Removing plaque from your teeth and gums is what proper dental care is all about. Daily, you can handle this task on your own by brushing right and flossing. Twice a year, however, you should let a professional take a look inside your mouth.

When it comes to brushing your teeth, you're probably going through the motions, but not actually brushing efficiently. In fact, you could be damaging your gums and/or leaving plaque behind. And if you're not flossing to remove the plaque you missed while brushing, your teeth may slowly be decaying.

There are several ways you can brush your teeth and the one you choose should be based on your mouth and your age. The best place to turn when deciding on a tooth brushing method is your dentist. In addition to advising you on the right method for your mouth, he or she can demonstrate proper brushing technique and answer any questions you may have.

Most people load up a toothbrush with toothpaste, stick the toothbrush inside the mouth, and aggressively brush the front teeth with a quick back and forth motion. They'll do a bit of brushing on those hard to reach back teeth, spit, rinse and consider the job done, all in about 30 seconds. Is this what you do?

If so then realize that there are two problems with this method. First, harsh brushing back and forth along the gum line will damage this sensitive area. Such brushing can cause gums to begin receding and/or wear down over time. It might also cause root surfaces to become exposed. Second, this isn't long enough! A thorough tooth brushing session should last 2 – 3 minutes!

There is a better way to brush teeth and gums. Brush using a circular or elliptical motion and brush just a few teeth at a time, on the outside and the inside surfaces. This technique will protect against gum damage and will ensure that all teeth get brushed. It's also important to brush the surfaces of the teeth, especially your molars to remove trapped food particles. And don't forget to brush your tongue! Bacteria live there too and when not brushed from the tongue, bacteria cause bad breath.

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles made from nylon. It'll be gentler on teeth and gums. The head of the brush should be about an inch long and the bristles should have rounded edges. And don't use the same toothbrush for longer than 3 months. By that time, the bristles will begin to flare, making tooth brushing less efficient.

Brush morning and night and if possible, after eating lunch. But don't brush more than this! Also, develop a tooth brushing routine. By repeating the same motions in the same order each time you brush, you'll have a better chance of removing all plaque.

The brand or type of toothpaste doesn't matter. What's important is that it contains fluoride and that the package bears the seal of approval of the American Dental Association (ADA).

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