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Tooth
brushing will remove dental plaque
and other debris from your teeth.
Plaque plays a primary role in
oral disease such as tooth decay
and gum disease. The best way
to remove plaque from the tooth
surface on a daily home care basis
is through toothbrushing and some
form of "between the teeth"
cleaning.
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Use
a soft bristled brush (synthetic
bristles preferably because natural
bristles tend to harbor the oral
bacteria as the bristles are more
porous). Be sure it is the right
size (generally smaller is better
than larger).
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Place
the bristles at a 45 degree angle
to the teeth. Slide the tips of
the brush under the gums.
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Jiggle
the bristles very gently so that
any plaque growing under the gum
will be removed.
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Be
sure to brush the outside, the
tongue side and the chewing surfaces
of your teeth.
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For
the front teeth, brush the inside
surfaces of the upper and lower
jaws by tilting the brush vertically
and making several up and down
strokes with the front part of
the brush over the teeth and gum
tissues.
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Brushing
your tongue will help freshen
your breath. Debris and bacteria
can collect on your tongue and
cause bad breath.
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Your
toothbrush will only clean one
or two teeth at a time. Change
its position to properly clean
each tooth.
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To
prevent plaque damage, be sure
to brush at least once every day,
preferably at bedtime. Adding
a brush time after breakfast increases
your chances of thorough daily
plaque removal.
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Don't
rush your brush. A thorough brushing
should take at least 3 minutes.
Brushing the teeth too vigorously
or using a hard bristled toothbrush
causes the gums to recede and
exposes root surfaces. It also
wears down the tooth structure.
Both of these conditions can lead
to tooth sensitivity.
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A
pea-sized amount of fluoridated
toothpaste is all you need, should
you choose to use a toothpaste.
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Replace
your brush when the bristles begin
to spread. A worn out toothbrush
will not properly clean your teeth.
