HOW TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH PROPERLY 1Use a good toothbrush. Choose a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles. This will effectively remove plaque and debris from your teeth, without irritating the gums or eroding tooth enamel like hard bristled brushes can do. The toothbrush should also fit comfortably in your hand, and have a head small enough to easily reach all of your teeth, especially the ones at the back. If you have difficulty fitting the toothbrush into your mouth, it is probably too big.[3] Electric toothbrushes are a great choice if you are a lazy brusher and think that the electric toothbrush might encourage you to spend more time on your teeth. However, you can do just as good of a job with a manual toothbrush -- its all in the technique. You should definitely avoid toothbrushes with natural bristles made from animal hair as these can harbor bacteria. 2Replace your toothbrush regularly. The bristles will wear out over time, losing their flexibility and effectiveness. You should get a new one every 3 to 4 months, or as soon as the bristles start to splay out and lose their shape. Visual inspection of the toothbrush is more important than the actual timeline. You can also buy toothbrushes nowadays whose handles will change color when its time to get a new one. Research has found that thousands of microbes call toothbrush bristles and handles home, and can cause infections.[4] Always rinse your brush after using it, and store it upright and uncovered so that it can dry before your next use. Otherwise bacteria will grow. 3Use a fluoride toothpaste. It not only helps remove plaque, it also helps strengthen tooth enamel.[6] However, its important to note that fluoride toothpaste is not to be swallowed, as ingesting too much can have serious health consequences.[7] You can get toothpastes to target a wide variety of dental and gum problems, including cavities, tartar, sensitive teeth and gums, gingivitis and stained teeth. Opt for the one that suits your best or ask your dentist or hygienist for advice.[8] 4Use dental floss. Flossing your teeth is just as important as brushing, as it removes built up plaque, bacteria and food particles that get trapped between the teeth and which toothbrush bristles cant reach. You should always floss before brushing your teeth so that any food or bacteria that comes loose during flossing doesnt remain in your mouth. Remember to floss gently. Dont snap the floss between the teeth as this can irritate sensitive gums. Ease it down gently, following the curve of each tooth. If you find dental floss awkward to use or you have braces, look for dental picks instead. These are small wooden or plastic sticks which you can insert between teeth, achieving the same results as flossing. EditPart 2 of 3: Mastering the Brushing Techniq
Posted on: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 14:49:06 +0000
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