About Brushing Techniques

How important is brushing?

Brushing is very important as it keeps our teeth and gums healthy. It helps to clean dirt between the gums and the teeth and also between two teeth. Brushing technique should be soft (to message the gums) and firm (to remove dirt).Brushing reduces the risk of infection and cavities making both teeth as well as gums strong.

What are the methods of brushing?

There are 2 common techniques of brushing i.e. bass and fone’s methods of brusing.Bass technique are used by adults and fone’s is for the children.

Bass technique is for routine use; in this the brush is at 45 degree to the long axis of the teeth. The bristles are used to clean the area between the gums and the teeth as well as between two teeth. After this brushing is done with front and back strokes along with vibratory action. Posterior and anterior strokes are used for the eating surface.

Fone’s technique is very effective for children. In this the brush is placed at 90 degree on outer surface. The teeth are closed and rotary action of the brush helps to clean the teeth. This technique is easy to follow.

How frequently should we brush the teeth?

What is important is the quality of brushing rather than the number of times. But dentists recommend brushing twice a day, one time in the morning and second time at night before going to bed. Frequency of brushing depends on individual oral condition i.e. formation of plaque, gum diseases, caries risk etc.

WHAT KIND OF TOOTHBRUSH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

1. There are two types of toothbrushes: manual and powered.
2. The size and shape of the brush should fit your mouth comfortably, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Your dentist may offer sugges- tions about which type is suitable for your needs. No matter what type of toothbrush you choose, you should brush twice a day with a fluoride tooth- paste to clean your teeth thoroughly and to pro- vide fluoride protection against decay.
3. Both manual and powered toothbrushes can effectively and thoroughly clean teeth.
4. People who have difficulty using a manual toothbrush may find a powered toothbrush easier or more comfortable to use. Children may find that brushing with a powered toothbrush is fun.
5. Whether you decide on manual or powered, choose a toothbrush that you like and find easy to use so that you’ll use it twice a day to thoroughly clean all of your tooth surfaces.

HOW CAN YOU KEEP YOUR TOOTHBRUSH CLEAN?

• Rinse your toothbrush with tap water after brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. Store the brush in an upright position if possible and allow it to air dry until using it again.
• If more than one toothbrush is stored in the same holder or area, keep the brushes separated.
• Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers. A moist environment, such as a closed container, is more conducive to the growth of microorganisms than is the open air.
• Replace toothbrushes every three to four months. The bristles become frayed and worn with use and will be less effective at cleaning
• teeth. Toothbrushes wear more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient.
• Check tooth- brushes often for worn bristles and replace them more frequently if needed. Children’s tooth- brushes may need to be replaced more frequently than adults’ toothbrushes.

How important is the tooth paste in brushing?

Tooth paste contains fluoride which helps to fight plaque, polish teeth, reduces decay and gives a fresh breadth. A good tooth paste fights acid attack ,when the acid is created by the bacteria present in the mouth.

Does incorrect brushing have negative effects?

Yes ,there can be a number of problems such as tooth staining, gum bleeding and infection, gums get receded which in turn makes the teeth look big and the root of the teeth is exposed, bad breathe ,wearing of teeth, teeth becomes sensitive etc.

When should a brush be changed?

Normally a brush needs replacement after every 3 months. Moreover brushes should be changed after cold/flu. There are indicator brushes available in the market which have a blue color in the center, when this color fades the brush should be changed.

Is brushing needed for children?

Child should start brushing from the time they have baby teeth. Parents should encourage their children to brush their teeth regularly .Children teeth are prone to cavities, brushing avoids this and maintains good oral hygiene.