Dental Hygiene, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene

Proper Brushing Techniques & Tools

Proper Brushing Techniques & Tools, Proper Brushing Techniques & Tools, BioSmile Dentistry Santa Monica, CA

Brushing your teeth is the foundation of good oral care and prevention. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at removing oral plaque that causes decay and disease.

Electric and manual toothbrushes each have their own benefits. Read more about the proper brushing techniques & tools accessories used for brushing your teeth without causing any damage to your tooth enamel or gum tissue.

Brushing Techniques:

Electric Tooth Brushing – This device is designed to do all the work for the patient. Start by pausing on each surface of the tooth for 3-5 seconds. The tooth has 3 contact surfaces for brushing; outside/cheek side, top biting surface, and interior tongue/palate side. The longer you pause the more effective the toothbrushing will be.

Manual Tooth Brushing – This tool is designed to be manually manipulated. Start by doing 5 gentle circles on each surface of the tooth. Remember teeth have 3 contact surfaces noted above. Plaque is easily removed with soft gentle strokes. The harder one brushes the more damage they do to their gums. Remember it’s not how hard you brush but how long that makes the difference.

Accessory Tools:

Soft Picks – This is a disposable toothpick type tool with rubber bristles at the tip. Start by pushing this tool between the back teeth to help remove food deposits. This will not fit in every spot and that’s ok! Best time to use this is right after a meal.

Proxy Brush – This is a Reusable toothpick type tool which is similar to a bottle brush. Use this the same as a Soft pick, however rinse between use and save for next time.

Rubber Tip – This is a long tool with a pointy rubber end. Start by gently gliding it around your gum line, crowns, or back of your last molar. This will help sweep away deposits.

Tuft End Brush – This is a specialty toothbrush with a tapered head. Start by gently agitating it around crowns or the back of your last molars. This will help reach those hard-to-get corners and angles.

Waterpik – This is a water irrigation unit that will help flush out under the gumline. Start by tapping the gum line with the tip of the nosal, then slightly pulling away. Use this by feel and not sight, because once you open wide the water will spray everywhere. Trace around the gumline on both the front side and interior. Go slowly around the gumline and pause between each tooth. This should not replace the traditional floss but used as a supplemental aid.

Please use new warm water with each use. For a more therapeutic irrigation add 2 caps full of Tooth and Gum Tonic that we offer at the office for sale. To clean the unit add a white vinegar and water mix to the tank and run it through the line. There are 2 main types of units I usually recommend: The cordless hand held unit that can be used in the shower or the counter top basic unit.

No matter what toothbrush you have, make sure that you are brushing your teeth properly. If you have questions about which brushing technique might be best for you, feel free to ask one of our hygienists team of staff here at BioSmile Dentistry, or call our Santa Monica dental office  and set up an appointment with Dr. Lorène. We would be happy to help you make the most out of your oral hygiene routine.