Finding A Great Dentist

3 Tips For More Effective Brushing

17 February 2015

Kenzi Thompson

When it comes keeping their teeth clean, many people assume that reaching for the brush twice a day is all they need to do.  But even regular brushing isn't enough, unless you're brushing right. If you would like to improve your brushing skills, read on. This article will present three tips for more effective brushing.  

1. Pick the right brush.

With all of the toothbrushes on the market today, it can be a daunting task to try and figure out which one will do the best job of cleaning your tooth. Worse still, using the wrong brush can actually end up hurting your gums. That said, here are the two most important criteria to look for in a good brush:

• Bristles - Don't fall prey to the misconception that a brush with stiff bristles will do a better job of cleaning your teeth. In fact, stiff bristles are one of the main causes of gum pain. Reach for a soft bristled brush instead.
• Head size - It can be tempting to think that the bigger the brush the better. Yet brushes with over-sized heads make it more difficult to access hard-to-reach areas, like those back molars. Stick to a brush no more than 1/2" wide and 1" tall.

2. Don't brush too often.

Most people assume that brushing is one of those good things you just can't get too much of. But excessive brushing can actually lead to a number of issues, from gum damage to worn enamel, to sensitive teeth. Make yourself stick to a moderate schedule, brushing three times a day at most.

3. Work on your technique.

Believe it or not, effective brushing is a subtle art. It takes much less effort to remove plaque than you think. Those who don't realize this often end up damaging their teeth through overly forceful brushing.

First of all, avoid using side-to-side strokes, as this can lead to scraped gums and worn enamel. Instead, use up and down strokes, working on two or three teeth at a time. Hold the bristles against your teeth at a forty-five degree angle.

Do your best to brush as gently as possible. Not only can excessive pressure damage your gums and teeth, but it also reduces the efficiency of your brushing by pressing the bristles horizontally. This keeps them from contacting the whole surface of your tooth. Try holding the toothbrush with your fingertips, rather than in your first. This will force you to adopt a lighter touch.       

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