Toothbrushing techniques
We all know that proper oral hygiene is essential to enjoy healthy teeth. But how do we care for their hygiene in the right way? How long should you brush your teeth? How to verify if they are really clean after brushing? Finally, what are the best techniques for thorough and effective tooth brushing? It is worth checking what we know about daily oral hygiene.
How long should you brush your teeth?
Proper brushing should take at least two minutes. 120 seconds may seem like a long time (especially for children) but it is worth keeping track of this time. This is now so easy that most electric toothbrushes already have automatic indicators that inform us of the passing tooth cleaning time.
Is it okay to brush your teeth for longer?
Brushing for longer than two minutes is not harmful, as long as we do it gently. However, using too much pressure can damage the enamel and gum tissue, which consequently leads to irritation and can result in tooth sensitivity. But how do we verify if we are using the right amount of force for cleaning? One way is to brush with your non-dominant hand – that is when we realize the difference in the degree of pressure the toothbrush exerts on the teeth. On the other hand, if there is slight bleeding after brushing, it is a sure sign that we are irritating our gums too much.
In theory, there are three conventional brushing techniques that can be used to clean teeth properly. It is worth taking a closer look at them.
Bass technique
Brushing teeth with the Bass method involves the proper use of a toothbrush to effectively remove plaque (bacterial biofilm in the form of deposits on the teeth) from under the gumline.
How is it done?
Hold the toothbrush parallel to your teeth
Tilt the brush at a 45-degree angle
Angle the toothbrush so the bristles are slightly under the gumline
With firm but gentle pressure, brush back and forth or in circular motions 15 to 20 times before moving to the next area
Brush all teeth on the outer surface, then clean the back of the teeth using the same motions
Hold the toothbrush in a vertical position behind the front teeth and brush up and down, using the bristles at the tip of the brush
Clean the chewing surface of the molars and the tongue
Analyzes of various brushing techniques have shown that the modified Bass technique is currently the most effective in removing plaque and yields the best results when it comes to the prevention and counteraction of gingivitis.
Stillman's technique
The Stillman method is similar to the Bass technique. However, instead of circular movements on all tooth surfaces, short horizontal back-and-forth strokes are performed.
Charters' method
It is useful if there are large spaces between the teeth, gum recession has occurred, roots are exposed, or if the patient has undergone periodontal surgery. The method is also useful if the patient has orthodontic appliances or fixed partial dentures.
How to clean teeth using this method?
Place the bristles on the gum line at a 45-degree angle, pointing towards the chewing surface of the tooth or the tooth crown. This position is the opposite of the Bass and Stillman technique.
Gently vibrate the brush 15-20 times, making short circular strokes or small back-and-forth movements.
Brush all teeth following the same pattern, brushing all surfaces and sides of the teeth.
So which method should you choose?
It all depends on the current state of our teeth. It is always worth discussing this with your dentist or dental hygienist to get more information or recommendations on the technique that will be most effective in your case.
The right brushing technique is half the battle.
The second part is choosing the right tools, which simply means the toothbrush. Generally speaking, choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush that can fit into hard-to-reach areas and your mouth, along with fluoride toothpaste, should do the trick. The toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months. Worn, frayed brushes do not clean thoroughly, and older ones can harbor bacteria. No matter which tools are most comfortable for us, we must remember to brush our teeth properly, at least twice a day for 2 minutes.
Sometimes two minutes may not be enough if you do not brush your teeth correctly. All surfaces of the teeth should be clean and free of food debris. Remember to make short strokes on each tooth, moving back and forth across the teeth and gums. Reach behind the front teeth and the back molars. Cleaning the spaces between teeth is just as important as brushing the front and back. Therefore, it is worth reaching for dental floss for this purpose.
At the Luxdentica Dental Center in Krakow, we advise on the best method to clean your teeth. Our dental hygienists will also help you choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste.
