The fact of brushing your teeth is not only a matter of having white teeth and keeping your breath fresh, but it also contributes to oral health. When we brush our teeth we avoid the accumulation of bacterial plaque that adheres to the dental structure and in turn prevents pathologies such as cavities or periodontal diseases from arising.
Now you know why brush your teeth, but next we will explain how to brush your teeth correctly.
Proper brushing takes at least two minutes. Just 120 seconds. Most adults do not brush during this minimum amount of time. In order to get an idea of the time involved, a stopwatch can be used. To brush your teeth properly, the ideal type of movement is to use short, gentle strokes, paying particular attention to the gum line, hard-to-reach back teeth, and areas around fillings, crowns, and other restorations. Special attention must be paid to cleaning each oral section well as follows:
- Sanitize the external surfaces of the upper teeth and posteriorly those of the lower teeth
- Sanitize the internal surfaces of the upper teeth and posteriorly those of the lower teeth
- Sanitize chewing surfaces
- Also sanitize the tongue so that you have a fresher breath
Regarding the brushing technique:
- Angle the brush at a 45 ° angle against the edge of the gum and slide the brush away from that edge and forward.
- Gently brush the outside and inside and the chewing surface of each tooth with short backward strokes.
The right type of toothbrush
Most dental professionals agree that a soft bristle brush is best, is ideal for removing plaque and food debris from the teeth. Small-headed brushes are also more recommended, since they reach all areas of the mouth much better, even hard-to-reach areas, and even more so for hard-to-reach back teeth. On certain occasions, an electric toothbrush is a good alternative, since it does a better job of cleaning the teeth, especially in those patients who have difficulty brushing or manual dexterity is altered.
Importance of the toothpaste I use
It is important use a suitable toothpaste according to the oral conditions that arise. Today there is a wide variety of toothpastes designed to prevent many disorders, such as cavities, gingivitis, dry mouth, stained teeth, and sensitivity.
Estimating how often the toothbrush should be replaced
You should replace your toothbrush when it shows signs of wear or every three months. it is important to change toothbrushes after a cold, since the sows accumulate germs that can cause a new infection.
Change your toothbrush regularly. Over time, the bristles wear out, they lose their effectiveness.
- Research has revealed that there are thousands of bacteria that inhabit the bristles and the handle of the toothbrush, causing infections.
- Always rinse the brush after use and store it upright and uncovered so that it can dry before you use it again. Otherwise bacteria will accumulate.
Interproximal hygiene should not be forgotten with the use of interproximal brushes and the use of dental floss, a habit that is not very widespread but of great importance to avoid the accumulation of dental plaque.
