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What is the best technique for brushing?
There are a number of effective brushing techniques. Patients
are advised to check with their dentist or hygienist to determine
which is the best one for them since tooth position and gum
condition vary. One effective, easy-to-remember technique
involves using a circular or elliptical motion to brush a
couple of teeth at a time, gradually covering the entire mouth.
Place a toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle
and gently brush teeth in an elliptical motion. Brush the
outside of the teeth, inside the teeth, your tongue and the
chewing surfaces and in between teeth. Using a back and forth
motion causes the gum surface to recede, or can expose the
root surface or make the root surface tender. You also risk
wearing down the gum line.
Soft or hard bristles?
In general, a toothbrush head should be small (1" by
1/2") for easy access. It should have a long, wide handle
for a firm grasp. It should have soft, nylon bristles with
round ends. Some brushes are too abrasive and can wear down
teeth. A soft, rounded, multi-tufted brush can clean teeth
effectively. Press just firmly enough to reach the spaces
between the teeth as well as the surface. Medium and hard
bristles are not recommended.
How long should I brush?
It might be a good idea to brush with the radio on, since
dentists generally recommend brushing 3-4 minutes the length
of an average song. Using an egg timer is another way to measure
your brushing time. Patients generally think they're brushing
longer, but most spend less than a minute brushing. To make
sure you're doing a thorough job and not missing any spots,
patients are advised to brush the full 3-4 minutes twice a
day instead of brushing quickly five or more times through
the day.
Should I brush at work?
Definitely, but most Americans don't brush during the workday.
Dentists say it's a good idea to keep a toothbrush in your
desk, which increases the chances that you'll brush during
the day by 65 percent, according to a recent survey released
by Oral-B Laboratories and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Getting the debris off teeth right away stops sugary snacks
from turning to damaging acids, and catches starchy foods
like potato chips before they turn to cavity-causing sugar.
If you brush with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before
going to bed, you don't even need to use toothpaste at work.
You can just brush and rinse before heading back to the desk.
If you don't have a toothbrush, rinsing your mouth with water
for 30 seconds after lunch also helps.
The following tips may improve your work-time brushing
habits:
- Post a sticky note on your desk or computer at work as
a reminder to brush teeth after lunch.
- Brush teeth right after lunch, before you become absorbed
in work.
- Store your toothbrush and toothpaste at work in a convenient
and handy place.
- Make brushing your teeth part of your freshening up routine
at work.
Sources:
Barbara Ann Rich, DDS, Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Oral-B
Laboratories; "Snack Smart for Healthy Teeth."
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