Brushing Advice
Brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste is the best way to care for your teeth and gums.
Manual and Electric toothbrushing
The mechanical action of brushing removes soft bacterial plaque from your teeth while fluoride helps to strengthen the outer layer of enamel against bacteria that causes cavities.
It is recommended to use a soft bristled toothbrush with gentle pressure and brushes should be replaced about every 3 months or when you notice the bristles are splayed.
Both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective at cleaning your teeth however studies have shown electric toothbrushing to be more efficient. Each requires specific techniques in order to be effective. Both require a pea sized amount of toothpaste and it’s important to brush each tooth on both the tongue and the cheek sides. Use a system to ensure that each tooth is brushed, ideally start at the very back and work your way along the arch before switching to the other side. Once finished both sides of that arch switch to the other arch.
Manual toothbrushing:
- Point the bristles at a 45° angle towards the gums
- Gently agitate the bristles to remove plaque along the gumline and between teeth
- Sweep the bristles toward the chewing surface
- Move the toothbrush to the next tooth and repeat the sequence
- Once all the sides of the teeth are brushed don’t forget to brush the chewing surfaces
Electric toothbrushing:
- Place the toothbrush so the bristles engage the back side of the tooth
- Move the angle of the brush to allow the bristles to engage the flat side of the tooth
- Adjust the angle again to ensure the front facing side of the tooth is brushed
- Move to the next tooth
- - Once all the sides of the teeth are brushed don’t forget to brush the chewing surfaces
- It’s especially important to use gentle pressure to avoid damage to the gums but the bristles should still be positioned to sweep along the gumline