Brushing plays a very important part in oral hygiene; however many people don’t know how to brush properly, according to Village Family Dental in Myrtle Beach, SC. Proper methods of brushing is important to maximize the cleaning effect of your mouth and teeth.
Start with a good quality soft brush. A manual toothbrush is cheaper than an electric one. However a motorized toothbrush can be more effective in cleaning the mouth and teeth provided the user knows how to use the brush properly. Electric toothbrushes generally move the brush side-to-side, up and down or in an oscillating manner. The added movement of the brush head along with the movement of the hand creates more movement in various angles which provides a better cleaning effect in the teeth, especially in hard to reach areas. But make sure you do not brush too hard as this can actually scratch your enamel.
Toothpaste is also needed for tooth brushing. There are hundreds of different toothpaste brands available on the market today. Generally, any type of toothpaste is good enough, as long as it has fluoride and calcium to strengthen and repair any damages on the teeth. Village Family Dental in Myrtle Beach, SC recommends you use a toothpaste which is suitable for your needs, especially if sensitive teeth are a problem. When brushing, only a small amount of toothpaste is needed; Dr. Rearden usually recommends a pea-sized amount. Most people will fill up the toothbrush head with toothpaste and waste toothpaste in the process.
In tooth brushing, the back teeth or upper molars on the left side should be the first area to be brushed by moving in a clockwise direction to the right. The bristles should point toward the gum line, in a 45-degree angle, using a circular motion for at least 20 seconds. After 20 seconds, the brush should be rolled away from the gum line so the bristles would be able to clean in a sweeping manner on the surface of the teeth, removing any food debris and plaque. Continue the brushing in a clockwise direction, ending with the lower molars on your left side. Repeat steps for lower molars and the inside surfaces of the upper and the lower molars.
Brush the surface of the upper-front teeth by using the tip of the toothbrush and direct the bristles toward the gum line. Next step will be to point the bristles toward the gum line and flick the bristles up and away from the gum line and brush the biting surfaces of the upper and lower premolars, and molars. Also brush the tongue using a gentle circular motion and make sure to lightly brush the inside of your cheeks. Finish by rinsing your mouth two to three times.
If you are unsure if your methods, your tooth brush, or your tooth paste is effective, contact Village Family Dental in Myrtle Beach, SC and they will be happy to discuss your options with you.
