Dr BushraNov 04, 2024

Tooth Brushing

Tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily is recommended by American Dental Association (ADA) to remove plaque and food debris. It helps to prevent tooth decay and prevents gum diseases. Brushing helps in removing bacteria that cause bad breath and give a feeling of freshness.

Plaque is a sticky white film that appears on teeth after having a meal. Plaque contains bacteria that produces acids. This acid and bacteria attack tooth enamel (outer and the hardest layer of teeth). If a person ignores brushing or uses improper tooth brushing technique, it will cause tooth decay and cavities over time.

Home remedies or prevention tips over tooth brushing cannot preserve teeth from damage. These remedies can work as an adjunct therapy with tooth brushing to protect teeth from decay.

Importance of Tooth Brushing

Brushing twice daily is essential to maintain oral hygiene. Periodontal diseases might develop if a person refuses to brush their teeth for a certain time. Brushing correctly ensures that plaque (main cause of gum disease and tooth decay) is removed and prevents it from accumulation below gumline.

Benefits of Tooth Brushing

Fresh breath
Prevent dental caries
Keep gums healthy
Reduce tooth staining
Reduce risk of diabetes
Lower the chances of heart problems

Consequences of Not Brushing

Ignoring brushing for long term can cause negative consequences like:

Tooth decay
Gum diseases
Halitosis
Abscess
Plaque and tartar buildup

Some health-related consequences might also occur as:

Kidney issues
Heart problems
Diabetes
Pneumonia
Stomach problem

Tooth Brushing Techniques

Following are the ADA recommended brushing technique:

Wash your brush and take pea-sized toothpaste.
Place your brush at a 45° angle to gums.
Use short back and forth strokes for chewing surfaces of teeth.
Use circular movements for inner and outer surfaces of teeth.
Place brush vertically and slide down on teeth surfaces to clean front teeth.
At last brush tongue and cheeks softly.
Rinse mouth thoroughly with water.

Brushing for Kids

Initiate healthy habits from an early age. It is recommended to introduce brushing in your child from two years. Use soft-bristle kids’ toothbrush and kids’ toothpaste in the beginning and make it a fun activity. Always be there when your child starts brushing and make sure he/she rinses thoroughly after brushing.

Electric vs. Manual Toothbrush

Electric and manual toothbrushes are both effective. However, electric toothbrushes are found to have more benefits than manual brushes. The bristles of an electric toothbrush rotate or vibrate to scrape plaque from gums and teeth. Moreover, electric toothbrushes are effective for handicapped patients and for those who wear orthodontic appliances.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Types of Toothbrush Bristles

Looking for bristles is important while selecting a toothbrush for your mouth. You can make the most of your oral care with the right toothbrush. Toothbrush bristles can be classified on the basis of their stiffness as soft, medium, and hard bristles

Soft-bristle brush: It is recommended by most of the dentists. It is useful for both children and adults. They are gentle on gums and teeth and seamlessly remove plaque and tartar. It does not cause any harm to oral tissues.
Medium-bristle brush: Medium bristle brushes are good for healthy cleaning. Its bristles are a little firmer than soft bristle brush. If you are using medium bristle brush aggressively on gums, it can cause bleeding problem. Apply controlled force with the right technique while using medium bristle brush to achieve the best cleaning results.
Hard-bristle brush: Hard bristle brushes are not used for everyday dental care. Hard bristle brushes can damage gum tissues and can erode teeth enamel. Hard bristle brushes are mostly used to clean dentures.

Toothbrush Features to Look for

Look for soft or medium-bristle brush
Small head size brush
Handle with easy grip
Look for ADA seal

How Often to Replace a Toothbrush

It is recommended to replace your toothbrush after every three months. Using the same toothbrush after three months is of no use because its bristles lose their effectiveness after three months. As the time passes brush bristles get frayed, which means they can no longer remove plaque and bacteria from teeth.

Common Tooth Brushing Mistakes

Overbrushing
Not brushing for long enough (2 minutes/day)
Brushing in morning only
Improper technique
Rinsing after brushing (toothpaste should not be removed from teeth after brushing)
Aggressive brushing
Skipping tongue

frequently asked questions

Bleeding while brushing your teeth is a sign of gum diseases. Gum diseases cause infection and inflammation of soft tissues and gums become weak. For this reason, your teeth bleed while brushing.

Yes, brushing aggressively for a long time or putting too much pressure while brushing can damage the teeth enamel and gums. Exposure of dentine due to enamel wear cause sensitivity in teeth.

No, tooth decay can never be reversed with brushing. Tooth decay is an irreversible process. Once a tooth is damaged it cannot be reversed on its own. Filling is the reliable option to fix tooth decay.

Brushing is not always effective to relieve tooth pain. It also depends on the cause of toothache. Sometimes toothache is relieved by simple brushing or home remedies but sometimes you need medicines and professional dental care.