• Home Remedies Index
  • Feedback
  • Subscribe
Top 10 Home Remedies
No Result
View All Result
Advertisements
Top 10 Home Remedies
No Result
View All Result

Home » Healthy Living

Know the Correct Way to Brush Your Teeth

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
April 15, 2019
0

Many of us fail to give our teeth the attention they deserve!

When people do not give enough importance to oral hygiene and health, it leads to poor oral health giving rise to issues like plaque buildup, cavities, gingival irritation, and enamel deterioration. In fact, poor oral health is a common problem worldwide.

Poor oral hygiene is not just about problems inside the mouth. In fact, it is linked to serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease, strokes, premature births and other major conditions.

On top of that, it can impact your smile, which is hugely important to your appearance, self-confidence, relationships and success in life.

Advertisements

When it comes to oral health, brushing your teeth properly is the most important component. But unfortunately, many people do not brush their teeth in the correct manner or for the right duration.

know the correct way to brush your teeth

The following are different elements of tooth brushing that you need to bear in mind.

Contents

    • Proper Duration and Frequency
    • Proper Toothbrush
    • Proper Toothpaste
    • Dental Floss
    • Good Quality Mouthwash
  • Steps for Proper Brushing

Proper Duration and Frequency

You must brush your teeth for about two minutes twice a day, first thing in the morning and again before going to bed at night.

brush your teeth for proper duration

A 2016 study published in Evidence-Based Dentistry concludes that brushing your teeth less than two times daily increases your risk of developing tooth decay. This effect is independent of the presence of fluoride in toothpaste.

Advertisements

Proper Toothbrush

There are different types and sizes of toothbrushes available in the market. You need to choose one that is not too big or too small. It should fit comfortably in your hand and have a head small enough to easily reach all of your teeth, especially the ones at the back.

use proper toothbrush

Another important point is the bristles should be soft.

You can opt for a manual or electric toothbrush. An electric toothbrush can be a better option for some because many come with timers, so that the brush automatically works for the set time.

A 2016 study published in the Hungarian journal Fogorvosi Szemle reports that an electronic toothbrush provides better plaque-busting power than standard manual toothbrushes.

Advertisements

The bristles of a manual toothbrush will wear out over time, losing their flexibility and effectiveness. Hence, change your toothbrush every three to four months, or as soon as the bristles start to splay out and lose their shape.

Proper Toothpaste

Once you have the right toothbrush, your focus should shift to what kind of toothpaste you should use.

Use one with the right concentration of fluoride. It will help remove plaque as well as strengthen the tooth enamel. Most toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance contain fluoride.

use good quality toothpaste

When buying toothpaste, look for one that contains at least 1,350 parts per million (ppm) fluoride. However, it should not be used for children under age 3.

Advertisements

Apart from fluoride, good quality toothpaste may contain active ingredients to help improve tooth sensitivity, whiten teeth, or reduce gingivitis or tartar buildup.

No matter what, toothpaste should not be swallowed, as ingesting too much can have serious health consequences.

Dental Floss

Having just a toothbrush and toothpaste is not enough, as flossing your teeth is just as important as brushing.

use dental floss

Flossing removes built up plaque, bacteria and food particles that get trapped between the teeth. Your toothbrush can’t reach some areas of your teeth, but floss can.

You should always floss once a day. A 2015 study published in Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry reports that flossing followed by brushing provides more statistically significant improvements over brushing followed by flossing with respect to plaque control.

Good Quality Mouthwash

Mouthwash can help reduce or control plaque, gingivitis, bad breath and tooth decay by getting rid of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

use good quality mouthwash

A 2013 study published in the Academy of General Dentistry indicates that the use of a germ-killing mouth rinse in addition to regular tooth brushing can significantly reduce plaque and gingivitis, more so than brushing alone.

According to the ADA, children younger than age 6 should not use mouthwash, unless directed by a dentist.

Steps for Proper Brushing

Once you’ve picked the right toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash, it’s time to perfect your technique of tooth brushing. Here are the steps for proper brushing.

Step 1. Wet your toothbrush and squeeze only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto it.

wet your toothbrush

Step 2. Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth, then tilt the bristle tips at a 45-degree angle against the gum line.

place toothbrush at 45 degree angle

Step 3. Gently brush the outer surfaces of each and every tooth of the upper and lower gum line, keeping the bristles angled against the gum line and moving the toothbrush in small circular movements. Spend about 12 to 15 seconds in each spot.

brush your teeth

Step 4. Use the same technique to brush the inside surfaces of all your teeth.

brush the inner surface of your teeth

Step 5. Brush the biting surfaces of the teeth.

brush the biting surface of your teeth

Step 6. Clean the inside surface of the front teeth, tilting the brush vertically and making several up-and-down strokes.

clean the inner surface of your teeth

Step 7. Finally, brush your tongue. It will help fight bad breath by removing bacteria accumulated on the surface of your tongue.

brush your tongue

Step 8. After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste and rinse your mouth and teeth with plain water.

spit out excess toothpaste

Step 9. Floss your teeth by slipping floss between adjacent teeth, as far as it will go into the area between your teeth and gums to dislodge food and plaque. Rinse again with plain water. (Flossing can be done before brushing, too.)

floss your teeth

Step 10. Finally, it is time to use your mouthwash. Swish a few tablespoons of mouthwash around your mouth before spitting it out.

use mouthwash

Once you are done brushing your teeth, rinse your toothbrush under running water for a few seconds to remove any bacteria from the brush. When not rinsed thoroughly, you are actually introducing more bacteria into your mouth the next time you use it. Along with rinsing, keep your toothbrush somewhere where it will readily dry out to prevent growth of bacteria.

Now that you know the proper tooth-brushing technique, a little practice every day will help make it feel like second nature. In fact, it is one of the easiest things you can do to maintain overall oral health.

Additional Tips

  • Never brush your teeth too hard, as it can hurt your gums.
  • No matter what, do not share your toothbrush with others.
  • Do not skip brushing your teeth, as it can cause bad breath due to growth of bacteria.
  • Do not swallow toothpaste or mouthwash.
  • Never use toothpicks to remove trapped food from between your teeth, as you may damage your gums, which could lead to an infection.
  • After drinking soda, wine or acidic juices, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
  • After every meal, swish water in your mouth to loosen stuck food particles.
  • Visit a dentist at least every six months for a proper oral examination.

Resources:

http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2014-archive/october/survey-finds-shortcomings-in-oral-health-habits
http://www.nationalsmilemonth.org/facts-figures/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27980327
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27188156
http://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/toothpastes
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25197738
http://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/mouthrinse
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-02/aogd-umr021913.php
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/~/media/MouthHealthy/Files/Kids_Section/ADAHowToBrush_Eng.pdf?la=en

Advertisements

Recommended

face tingling treatment
Home Remedies

Facial Tingling: Causes, Diagnosis, Natural Treatment

by Mahesh Karandikar, MD - Neurosurgeon
July 11, 2019
0

A sudden tingling sensation overtaking your hands, feet, or face is a fairly common complaint reported by people in the...

Read more
Advertisements
how to sterilize baby bottles
Healthy Living

How to Sterilize Baby Bottles: 5 Safe Methods

by Karen M. Walker, MD, FAAP
April 1, 2019
0

The best way for a new mother to establish a nurturing bond with her baby is through breastfeeding. But sooner...

Read more
Advertisements

Homemade

homemade weed killers
DIY Homemade

Homemade Weed Killer Recipes

by Veronica Shaughnessy, Horticulture Professional
July 18, 2020
2

People with green thumbs are united in their hatred for weeds and give these rather undesired visitors a collective thumbs-down....

Read more
DIY bentonite clay hair mask

DIY Bentonite Clay Hair Mask to Give Life to Your Dull Hair

June 28, 2019
Advertisements

Trending

mediterranean diet benefits
Healthy Living

Mediterranean Diet 101: Benefits, Drawbacks, Myths and More

by Miriam Christie, MS, RD, LD, ABD
August 21, 2019
0

The Mediterranean diet emerges from the kind of foods eaten in countries situated along the Mediterranean Sea. These include France,...

Read more
Neem Oil for hair and skin
Healthy Living

Neem Oil for Hair and Skin: 9 Benefits and How to Use It

by Robert Signore, DO - Dermatologist
July 2, 2019
0

Neem is often referred to as Indian lilac as it is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, but its medicinal virtues...

Read more
Advertisements

Don't Miss

consume aloe vera

Different Ways to Consume Aloe Vera for its Health Benefits

by Holly Klamer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
July 8, 2019
0

Gone are the days when aloe vera was just a potted plant sitting on your windowsill, jazzing up your home...

honeydew melon for health

Honeydew Melon: Origins, Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

by Holly Klamer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
July 8, 2019
0

Honeydew melon makes for a sweet-tasting and refreshing treat that can take the sting out of the sweltering summer heat....

fava beans for health

Fava Beans: Nutritional Value, Recipes and Health Benefits

by Holly Klamer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
July 8, 2019
0

The fava bean, alternatively known as broad bean, is a large, flat, green leguminous vegetable. The earliest record of its...

Apple cider vinegar benefits for women

Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Women

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
March 28, 2019
12

Apple cider vinegar is used in a whole gamut of home remedies that offer something for everyone. Along with curing...

Advertisements
how to control hair loss
Common Conditions

How to Control Hair Fall

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
August 5, 2019
2

Long, luscious hair is a desire of many! But it seems very few people are lucky enough to have a...

Read more
Advertisements

All the tips mentioned here are strictly informational. This site does not provide medical advice. Consult with your doctor or other health care provider before using any of these tips or treatments. Read more.

 

Categories: Home Remedies | Kitchen Ingredients | Healthy Living | Pets | Common Conditions | Pregnancy | Healthy Foods

 

  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe
  • Terms and Conditions of Use
  • Unsubscribe

© 2018 Top 10 Home Remedies

No Result
View All Result
  • Home Remedies
  • Kitchen Ingredients
  • DIY Homemade
  • Healthy Foods
  • Healthy Living
  • Pregnancy

© 2018 Top 10 Home Remedies