Brushing and Dental Care FAQs
With so many toothbrushes on the market, how do I know which one is right for me? Are electric toothbrushes better?
Most dental professionals will agree that a soft-bristle brush is best to clean teeth without doing damage. Hard bristled brushes and incorrect brushing techniques can lead to sensitivity as the enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth) is worn away and gums recede from the teeth, giving them an elongated appearance.
Small-headed brushes are also preferable as they allow better access to all of the teeth, especially hard-to-reach back teeth. As long as the toothbrush meets these two criteria, any other features are purely a matter of comfort. Pick a toothbrush you find easy to use and allows you to reach all of your teeth easily.
Powered toothbrushes are a good option as they remove plaque and debris more efficiently. People with poor manual dexterity may find them especially useful. Another great feature of powered toothbrushes is a timer so you can be sure you have brushed long enough.
My gums bleed when I brush. Is this because I’m brushing too hard?
Bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque. Healthy gums are firm and don’t bleed, whereas inflamed gums appear red, swollen and tend to bleed more easily. If you notice an area bleeding when you brush this doesn’t mean you should avoid brushing. Rather it is a sign that this area should be concentrated on more to remove the plaque that has accumulated. Gingivitis can be reversed once proper oral hygiene is performed. Left unchecked, gum disease can progress to involve the bone and connective tissue that holds the teeth in place, causing teeth to become wobbly and, in severe cases, teeth may be lost.
What is the correct way to brush?
Modified bass brushing technique:
- Hold the head of the toothbrush horizontally against your teeth with the bristles part way on the gums
- Tilt the brush head to about 45° angle, so the bristles are pointing under the gum line
- Move the toothbrush in very short horizontal strokes so the tips of the bristles stay in one place, but the head of the brush waggles back and forth. Or use tiny circular motions. This allows the bristles to slide gently under the gum. Do this for about 20 strokes. This assures that adequate time will be spent cleaning away as much plaque as possible. Note: this is a very gentle motion. In healthy gums, this should cause no pain. Brushing too vigorously or with large strokes can damage gum tissue.
- Roll or flick the brush so that the bristles move out from under the gum towards the biting edge of the tooth. This helps move the plaque out from under the gum line
- Repeat for every tooth, so that all tooth surfaces can gum lines are cleaned
- For the insides of your front teeth, where the horizontal brush position is cumbersome, hold the brush vertically instead. Again, use a gentle back and forth brushing action and finish with a roll or flick of the brush towards the biting edge
- To clean the biting or chewing surfaces of the teeth, hold the brush so the bristles are straight down on the flat surface of the molars
- Gently move the brush back and forth or in tiny circles to clean the entire surface. Move to a new tooth or area until all the teeth are cleaned
- Rinse with water to clear the mouth of food residue and removed plaque
- You can clear even more bacteria out of your mouth by brushing your tongue. With your toothbrush, brush firmly but gently from back to front. Do not go so far back in your mouth that you gag. Rinse again.
Should I use a mouthrinse?
Mouthrinses contain therapeutic agents which may help reduce plaque and gingivitis by reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth. This effect does not extend under the gumline however, and for this reason it is important to have regular professional scaling and polishing, especially if you have a history of gum disease.
Consultation with your dental health professional is advisable when selecting a mouthrinse to use as many contain a high alcohol content, which can predispose to the development of oral cancer.
Mouthrinses can be a useful adjunct to your oral hygiene routine, but these products should only be used in conjunction with proper brushing and flossing which are by far more important.