Tips on brushing technique broken down by our dentist

Good dental hygiene starts with cleaning your teeth at home.

As most people know, brushing your teeth twice a day is important to prevent plaque build-up, tooth decay, and gum disease.

However, what most people are getting wrong is the technique!

Yes, while it may seem odd, even people who are dedicated to cleaning their teeth may be doing it wrong, and therefore, they may be causing issues with their dental hygiene.

Luckily, it is never too late to learn how to brush your teeth properly and our dentist, St. John’s Wood, can help. Whatever your age, we will be more than happy to help you improve your oral hygiene regime to ensure that your teeth and gums stay in good condition.

So, let’s go back to basics! Here, our dentist St. John’s Wood will go through some tips with you on how to begin using the right brushing technique.

Use the right toothbrush

Our dentist St. John’s Wood recommends that our patients use a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth. A toothbrush with a small head can help you reach all areas of your mouth more easily. Electric toothbrushes can be effective as well, as they provide a more thorough cleaning and help you brush for the recommended 2 minutes.

Brush at the right angle

When brushing your teeth, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth; if you hold it straight against your teeth, it will not be able to clean the entire tooth. The 45-degree angle allows you to clean along the gum line, where bacteria and plaque can accumulate. Use short, gentle strokes to brush back and forth, focusing on one tooth at a time.

If your gums start to bleed as you do this, you may be brushing too hard, so dial it back!

Brush for 2 minutes

For optimum success, brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day. Divide your mouth into quadrants and spend 30 seconds on each quadrant. Don’t rush through your brushing routine, as this can leave some areas of your mouth uncleaned.

To help you along, there are some electric toothbrushes that have built-in timers, so you don’t have to constantly check the time on your watch when brushing.

Don’t forget to brush your tongue

Bacteria can and does accumulate on your tongue, leading to bad breath and other dental problems such as thinning enamel. Aim to brush your tongue gently with your toothbrush, or use a tongue scraper to remove any build-up. If you have a sensitive gag reflex, take care here!

Don’t brush too hard

Dental health is not based on how hard you brush!

Brushing too hard will inevitably damage your tooth enamel and irritate your gums, potentially causing them to recede. Use gentle pressure when brushing your teeth, and let the bristles do the work. If you notice that your toothbrush bristles are looking worn, frayed or flattened, replace it as worn-out bristles won’t clean your teeth properly.

If your teeth and gums often bleed after brushing, you may need to see our team for a brush up on how to best clean your teeth!