Proper tooth brushing techniques are essential for maintaining oral health; using the correct brushing technique can remove food debris and plaque, preventing the onset of Dental Caries.
The main cause of dental caries is food lodgement in teeth, which serves as food for the bacteria and microorganisms in the oral cavity.
The microorganisms consume the trapped food and then produce acid, which causes demineralization of the enamel and the development of dental caries. Not only caries but most gum-related problems, such as gingival inflammation, can be avoided with proper tooth-brushing techniques.
The Modified Bass Brushing Technique is the most widely used and effective adult brushing technique. The steps below will make it much easier for you to practise the modified bass technique:
Begin with your teeth's outer surfaces. Brush your upper and lower teeth gently by placing the brush 45° to the long axis of the tooth surface, bristles must make contact with both the tooth and gum lines, and move the brush in a circular, jiggling motion. After that, give a vertical sweeping outward stroke.
Use a small back-and-forth vibratory motion with the brush to clean the inside surface of the back teeth.
Use small up and down strokes to clean the inside surface of the front upper and lower teeth by tilting the brush vertically.
Move the brush in a back-and-forth motion to clean the biting surfaces.
MedBound Times reached out to Dr Harshit K G for his insights on Brushing Techniques.
Brushing properly takes at least two minutes. Two minutes can seem like forever, especially to children. To make it more interesting, set a timer. Some electric toothbrushes include timers to encourage brushing for two minutes.
Brushing for more than 2 minutes is not harmful as long as a firm and gentle force is used. Too much pressure can cause tooth sensitivity and irritated gums by damaging enamel and gum tissue. Brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand to notice the difference in force on your teeth.
Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that can reach all of your teeth and fluoride toothpaste for the best results! Every three to four months, you should replace your toothbrush. Worn, frayed brushes are ineffective at cleaning, and older brushes can harbour bacteria.
To maintain excellent oral hygiene, flossing also played an important role besides the brushing technique.
You may have heard that flossing benefits your dental hygiene, but you may be wondering why or how to do it correctly. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from areas a toothbrush cannot reach easily, like areas between your teeth. Daily flossing is highly recommended because plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum inflammation.
Use the proper flossing technique to obtain the most benefits from it.
Starting with about 18 inches of floss, wrap it around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two to work with. Gently slide the floss between your teeth while holding it taut between your thumbs and index fingers. Wrap the floss around each tooth's base, ensuring it goes beneath the gum line. Never snap or force the floss, as this can cause damage to the delicate gum tissue. Use the same back-and-forth motion to bring the floss up and away from the teeth to remove it.
Preventive care, such as proper brushing and flossing, can aid in the prevention of gingival inflammation and gum disease. Daily oral hygiene promotes good oral and overall health and is an essential component of self-care.
Dental Resources in Philadelphia, PAFree Dental Clinics: Free dental clinics provide free or low-cost dental care. They accept all people from all income brackets regardless of their ability to pay. People who are unemployed, underpaid, or without health insurance qualify for their services. They’re also for people who have health insurance but cannot afford to pay the reduced fees.
Abbottsford Falls Dental
4700 Wissahickon Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 843-9720
https://www.fpcn.com/abbottsford-falls/
Sayre Health Center
227 S. 59th St
Philadelphia, PA 19139
(215) 474-4444
https://www.sayrehealth.org/
Philadelphia FIGHT Dental Clinic
1207 Chestnut Street, 4th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 525-3046
https://fight.org/
