Everybody brushes their teeth, but fewer do it the right way. Dr. Fred Thompson, a Portland, Oregon dentist, considered among America's leading dental practitioners, claims that by concentrating on fundamental brushing methods, everyone may improve the health of their teeth and gums.
- Brushing too harshly and too quickly are two of the basic errors people make while brushing their teeth.
- Begin with the brush at a 45-degree angle wherever the teeth touch the gums
- Hold this angle when softly brushing the external and internal surfaces of the teeth, two or three at a time.
- Angle the brush behind the teeth and apply light perpendicular strokes.
- After completing each of your teeth, don't forget to brush your tongue.
- It is recommended to brush a minimum of two minutes, each time.
- Most people feel that this is hard initially, but by concentrating on two or three teeth at one time it is quite possible.
- When you get accustomed to the length of time it ought to take with the assistance of a timer, it will be easier to brush for that length of time independently.
- And remember, brushing by itself is not sufficient--don't forget to floss your teeth afterwards.
Dr. Thompson states, "Brushing too vigorously and too rapidly are two of the most usual errors people make when brushing their teeth." He says to select a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles and to keep gentle contact with the gums and teeth when brushing. The brush should also be easy to handle and have a head that is small enough to easily reach all teeth.
Angle is also significant. "Begin with the brush at a 45-degree angle wherever the gums meet the teeth," advises Dr. Thompson. "Maintain this angle while lightly brushing the outer and inner surfaces of the teeth two or three at a time." Compared to brushing horizontally, this method is significantly better at getting rid of bacteria and plaque. He advocates brushing with a small, oscillating circular movement.
The inside surfaces of front teeth should be approached in a different manner. Dr. Thompson's advice is to "angle the brush behind the teeth and apply short vertical strokes." Only the brush's front half will be applied at this point. The chewing surfaces of teeth, contrary to the inner and outer, ought to be approached directly, with the bristles flush against the teeth. A backward and forward motion like soft scrubbing is suggested.
"After completing all your teeth, make sure you brush your tongue," says Dr. Thompson. A soft scrub from back to front along the top of the tongue will help combat bad breath and help overall dental health.
The typical brusher likewise spends much less time brushing than is suggested. "One should brush for a minimum of two minutes," says Dr. Thompson. "Many individuals think that this is hard initially, but by concentrating on two or three teeth at one time it's quite possible." He advocates applying a systematic plan of attack, like brushing your teeth in the same pattern each time. For some people, timing themselves is suggested. "When you get used to how long it ought to take with the assistance of a timer, you will be more able to brush your teeth for that long by yourself."
When asked if he had any additional words of wisdom, Dr. Thompson said, "Yes. Brushing by itself is not good enough--don't forget to use dental floss."
Dr. Fred Thompson, DDS, a Portland-based cosmetic dentist (http://www.pdxsmiles.com) attracts patients from around the globe. Drop in our Portland dentist office to ask about our cosmetic dentistry procedures (http://www.pdxsmiles.com/
