Oral Hygiene — Proper Brushing Technique

Many people know that maintaining good oral hygiene begins with brushing their teeth daily. What people are not aware of, however, are other techniques and practices that maximize effectiveness and efficiency. Learning proper brushing techniques are essential for keeping teeth healthy while not making the gums inflamed.

While brushing might seem like a menial task, it is actually very important to consider a number of things. For instance, many people live their lives without realizing that improper brushing techniques are what cause sensitive teeth and inflamed gums. Making a few small changes to the normal brushing routine can make a huge difference to dental health and oral hygiene.

Proper brushing techniques

How often and how long?

Most people brush their teeth without keeping track of how long they have been brushing. This practice is not optimal because it may result in either brushing too much or too little. The rule of thumb for proper brushing is to brush once in the morning and once at night for exactly two minutes each time. In this manner, the teeth are cleaned thoroughly yet carefully about every twelve hours. This allows ample time for the teeth and gums to recover from the brushing.

Effective brush motion

When brushing, it is important to have creativity in the motions. Instead of brushing in the same direction, using a circular motion with the toothbrush is recommended for thorough cleaning. One should also focus on hard-to-reach areas such as the molars. Caution should be taken to not brush too hard or too long, but each person will need to evaluate their own needs to adapt to the proper motions.

Pressure of the brush

When it comes to the pressure of brushing, less is usually more. Since the gums are extremely sensitive and the teeth are surprisingly fragile, it is very important to be gentle while brushing. Moreover, if there is a daily regimen that is adhered to, plaque does not require much pressure to be removed. There is no need to brush with extreme force. If the gums bleed after brushing, it is a clear sign that they are inflamed and brushing should be done more gently.

Methods to supplement regular brushing

Besides traditional brushing with a toothbrush, there are many things that can be used alongside brushing to improve oral hygiene. Perhaps the most well-known of such methods is chewing gum, sugar-free of course, especially after a meal. This can help to remove any food particles that may have become lodged between the teeth and therefore helps prevent cavities. Mouthwash is another good way to clean the mouth while avoiding the inflammation that comes with brushing.

Conclusion

Many patients do not realize how much their brushing techniques can lead to improved oral hygiene. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call our office today.

Request an appointment here: https://beniciadentist.com or call Southampton Dental Care at (707) 887-5075 for an appointment in our Benicia office.

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