Refine Your Brushing Technique

If you want to be an excellent tennis player, you must know how to properly execute each stroke and body movement. Otherwise, you’ll repeat the same mistakes and damage your game. The same applies to tooth-brushing habits. When done incorrectly, brushing will continuously mar your teeth and gums.

The office of Tiger Periodontics and Dental Implants puts our patients’ needs first. We know that confidence about your smile and oral health affects the way you feel about yourself personally, socially and professionally. We are at the forefront of dental research and use the latest diagnosis and treatment technology.

Here are some best practices.

Toothbrush position

It might seem obvious that you simply lay the bristles flat on your teeth. That’s close but no cigar. Adjust the brush head’s angle. Plaque loves to accumulate along your gum lines. Grasp the brush handle so the bristles contact your teeth at a 45-degree angle toward your gums. With that tilt, the bristles can scrub just under the edge of the gum line. To maintain that slant, a toothbrush with a textured, angled handle lets you swivel the brush effectively. 

Brushing movement

Now that you know the correct angle, continue your crusade with a good sweeping motion. With the roll technique, use your wrist to sweep the bristles across the surface of your teeth from the gumline toward the biting surface. The bass method involves short, vibratory strokes with the bristles remaining in contact with the gum line. Use short, firm but gentle back-and-forth or circular strokes. The bass method benefits people with periodontal disease, orthodontic appliances or fixed partial dentures. (And don’t brush your teeth back and forth! It could flatten the gum tissue and promote to gum recession.)

Brushing pressure

Less is best. You’re not scrubbing barnacles off of a boat! Over time, excess pressure makes gums start to recede. Your mission is to remove the loose bits of food and plaque. A dental professional will tackle the tartar. 

A few more tips: 

Brush at least twice a day and for two minutes per session. 

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.

Use toothpaste that includes fluoride.

Start with a new toothbrush every three months.

The office of [[BUSINESS=NAME]] uses state-of-the-art knowledge and technology to perform a complete array of procedures with the utmost care and precision. Our team is made up of friendly, highly trained specialists who are eager to help you feel comfortable and relaxed while receiving the best care. Please call us today to schedule an appointment!

By Jonathan Tiger DMD

September 30, 2024