Brushing your teeth isn't just about whiter teeth and fresher breath. This activity is important for overall health. When you brush your teeth, you also remove plaque, which is a thin layer of bacteria that sticks to your teeth and causes cavities and gum disease. If plaque is left too long it will cause teeth to fall out! You know why you should brush your teeth, but if you want to learn how to brush your teeth effectively, this article is for you. Read this article!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using the Right Tools
Step 1. Use a good toothbrush
Choose a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles. A brush with bristles like this will effectively remove plaque and debris (soft material that sticks to the teeth) from the teeth, without hurting the gums or eroding tooth enamel as with a hard-bristled toothbrush. The toothbrush must also be comfortable to grip and have a small head so that it can easily reach all teeth, especially the back teeth. If you have trouble getting your toothbrush in your mouth, it may be that the toothbrush you are using is too large.
- An electric toothbrush is the right choice if you are lazy to brush your teeth and think an electric toothbrush will encourage you to brush your teeth. However, you can brush your teeth well with a regular toothbrush. It's all just a matter of technique.
- Avoid toothbrushes with “natural” bristles made of animal hair because they contain bacteria.
Step 2. Change your toothbrush regularly
The bristles will wear out over time, losing their flexibility and effectiveness. You should buy a new toothbrush every 3-4 months or as soon as the bristles spread and lose their shape. Visual inspection of the toothbrush is more important than time. Now, you can also buy toothbrushes whose handles change color when they need to be replaced with a new one.
- Research shows that thousands of microbes stick to the bristles and handles of brushes and can cause infection.
- Always wash your toothbrush after use and store it upright and open so it can dry before using it again. If not treated like that, bacteria will appear on the toothbrush.
Step 3. Use toothpaste with fluoride
Fluoride not only helps get rid of plaque, but also helps strengthen tooth enamel. It is important to note that fluoride should not be swallowed because too much of it can have serious health effects.
You can use toothpaste that aims to treat various dental and gum problems such as cavities, tartar, sensitive teeth and gums, gingivitis, and stained teeth. Choose a toothpaste that suits you or ask your dentist or health professional for advice
Step 4. Use dental floss
Using dental floss is as important as brushing your teeth. Flossing can remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris that is trapped between the teeth and cannot be reached by a toothbrush. You should always floss before brushing your teeth so that any food residue or bacteria that escapes when flossing doesn't remain in your mouth.
- Remember, floss slowly. Don't "tuck" the floss between your teeth, as this can irritate sensitive gums. Gently thread the floss following the shape of each tooth.
- If floss is uncomfortable or you wear braces, replace it with a dental pick. A dental pick is a small tool made of wood or plastic that is inserted between the teeth for the same purpose as dental floss.
Method 2 of 3: Mastering the Teeth Brushing Technique
Step 1. Use a small amount of toothpaste
Dab a little toothpaste on the toothbrush. Using too much toothpaste can create excessive suds and make you want to spit and finish brushing your teeth quickly. It can also increase the risk of ingesting more fluoride which is very unhealthy.
If brushing is painful, try to brush more slowly or use a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth
Step 2. Position the bristles at the gum line at a 45 degree angle
Brush your teeth in short, gentle circular or vertical motions. Do not brush beyond the limit of the tooth area.
Step 3. Take at least three minutes to brush your teeth
Brush several teeth at once, doing so that each tooth is brushed clean, taking 12-15 seconds for each section. You can divide your mouth into quadrant shapes: top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right. If you spend 30 seconds in each quadrant, you will spend two minutes brushing your teeth.
If you're bored, try brushing your teeth while watching television or singing a song. Brushing your teeth for the entire duration of the song will make sure you're brushing your teeth completely
Step 4. Brush the molars
Position the toothbrush so that it is perpendicular to the lips or the bristles are at the top of the lower molars. Move the toothbrush in and out and move it from the back of the mouth towards the front. Repeat this step on the other side of the mouth. When the lower teeth are clean, turn the toothbrush upwards and brush the upper molars.
Step 5. Brush the inner surface of the teeth
Position the toothbrush at an angle so that the brush head is towards the gum line and brush each tooth. According to dentists, the most frequently missed area is the inside of the lower front teeth, so don't forget to brush this area.
Step 6. Brush the tongue gently
After cleaning your teeth, use the bristles of the brush to gently clean the tongue (don't brush too hard because it can damage the tongue tissue). This will help prevent bad breath and get rid of bacteria on the tongue.
Method 3 of 3: Final Solution
Step 1. Rinse mouth
If you choose to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth, take a small amount of water from a disposable cup or turn your hands over to draw water from the tap. Gargle and dispose of the mouthwash.
- There is some debate whether gargling is a recommended way or not. Some feel that gargling can reduce the efficacy of fluoride, while others make sure that no fluoride is ingested. There are also people who do not like the presence of fluoride in the mouth! If you are at high risk for cavities, it is better not to rinse or rinse with a small amount of water, which effectively creates a fluoride mouthwash.
- Another study showed that gargling after brushing had no significant impact on the effectiveness of brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
Step 2. Wash the toothbrush
Wash the toothbrush under running water for a few seconds to remove bacteria from the toothbrush. If you don't wash it properly, the old bacteria will enter your mouth when you use a toothbrush. Washing the toothbrush also gets rid of any remaining toothpaste. Place the toothbrush in a place that dries easily to prevent bacteria from growing.
Step 3. Finish by gargling with a mouthwash containing fluoride
Take a small amount of mouthwash, gargle for 30 seconds, and spit it out. Be careful not to swallow it (This step is optional).
Step 4. Remember, brush your teeth at least twice a day
Most dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, in the morning and before going to bed at night. If you can do three times a day, even better! You should also try to avoid eating small meals between meals as much as possible, as this will result in food residue sticking and bacteria building up in the mouth.
Tips
- If your gums bleed easily, this is a sign that you have gingivitis. Check with the dentist. Gingivitis is a serious cause that can not only cause tooth loss and bad breath, but can also infect heart valves. Don't stop brushing if your gums bleed, but replace your toothbrush with a softer one.
- Wait 10 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating.
- Don't forget to brush your teeth before breakfast and before going to bed at night. Be sure to use mouthwash afterward.
- Brush your teeth and roof of your mouth for fresh breath.
- Try to brush your teeth after drinking coffee, red wine, or tea. All of these drinks can leave stains on teeth permanently.
- Most people do the same routine when brushing their teeth. Try to start with a different location each time you brush your teeth, to avoid missing parts of your teeth.
- If you can't brush your teeth after eating, at least rinse your mouth to remove any leftovers.
- Visit the dentist at least once every six months for examinations, x-rays, and dental cleanings.
- Brush your teeth longer where you need it.
- Do not use a harsh toothbrush because it can hurt the gums and make teeth permanently loose.
- An electric toothbrush is a better choice because you don't have to "brush" your teeth. But in general, good brushing habits are far more important than using an electric toothbrush or not.
- Brush your teeth at least 3 times a day. If you want to have REALLY clean teeth, you can brush your teeth after every meal or snack.
- Use a toothpick to pick up any leftover food between your teeth.
- Brush each tooth in a continuous circular motion.
- There are toothbrushes that come with a timer that will tell you how long you've been brushing your teeth. This type of toothbrush can help you brush different parts of the teeth in your mouth.
- Use dental floss after brushing your teeth.
- Do not put too much toothpaste on the toothbrush. You only need a little.
- It is recommended to use mouthwash. If you use mouthwash, use an alcohol-free one.
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes.
- Brush your teeth at least in the morning and before going to bed at night. Brush your teeth after every meal if possible, but don't do it too often. Too often brushing your teeth is not good for your teeth.
- After drinking fizzy drinks, wine, or acidic juices such as orange juice, wait at least 45 minutes before brushing your teeth. Fizzy drinks and juices leave an acidic residue on the teeth. If you brush your teeth directly, it can damage the enamel.
Things that must be considered
- Change your toothbrush every three months. Scattered bristles can cause gum damage.
- Wait at least 45 minutes after eating acidic foods or drinks before brushing your teeth, to prevent tooth enamel erosion.
- Don't brush too hard. Gums are a very sensitive tissue.
- Don't miss the time to brush your teeth. Ignoring the activity of brushing teeth can cause tooth decay.
- Don't use someone else's toothbrush. You can be contaminated with germs, bacteria, and disease through invisible sores in the mouth.
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Do not swallow toothpaste or mouthwash because they contain chemicals such as ammonia and cetylpyridinium chloride which are toxic if swallowed.
If toothpaste or mouthwash is swallowed, ask your doctor for help
