Tooth Brushing techniques, tips and advice

Posted by Vincent Hayes on June 23rd, 2016

  • What type of tooth brush should I use ?Your dental team will be able to recommend a toothbrush suitable for you. However, adults should choose a small- to medium-sized brush head. This should have soft to medium, multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles or 'filaments'. The head should be small enough to reach into all parts of the mouth: especially the back of the mouth where it can be difficult to reach. Children need to use smaller brushes but with the same type of filaments. You can now buy more specialised toothbrushes. For instance, people with sensitive teeth can now use softer-bristled brushes. There are also smaller-headed toothbrushes for people with crooked or irregular teeth.
  • Do electric toothbrushes clean better?Tests have shown that power toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque. Those with heads that rotate in both directions ('oscillating' heads) are the most effective. Everyone can use a power brush. They are particularly useful for people with limited movement of the arm or hand, such as disabled or elderly people,
  • How should I brush?

1/Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth, then tilt the bristle tips to a 45-degree angle against your gumline. Move the brush in small circular movements, several times, on all the surfaces of every tooth.

2/Brush the outer surface of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against your gumline.

3/Do this again, but on the inside surfaces of all your teeth. To clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small, circular strokes with the front part of the brush.

4/Brush the biting surfaces of your teeth.

5/Brush your tongue to help freshen your breath and clean your mouth by removing bacteria.

  • How often should I brush my teeth?Twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste, do not rinse off the tooth paste after cleaning .
  • How much toothpaste should I use? You do not need to cover the head of your brush in toothpaste. A pea-sized amount is enough. Children should use a pea-sized smear of toothpaste
  • How often should I change my toothbrush? No hard and fast rule but every two to three months or sooner should your bristles become splayed or worn.

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Vincent Hayes

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Vincent Hayes
Joined: April 22nd, 2016
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