Proper Teeth Brushing
Oral and dental health is an integral part of our body health and is an important element that has a direct impact on our general health. Taking regular care of our teeth not only helps us have an aesthetic smile, but also prevents tooth loss, gum diseases and other serious health problems.
The most basic and indispensable step of this care is tooth brushing. However, although many people have acquired the habit of brushing their teeth regularly, oral health cannot be fully protected if the correct techniques are not used. Improper brushing techniques can lead to tooth enamel wear, gum recession and various problems in the mouth. Therefore, it is extremely important to do it correctly, as well as to get into the habit of brushing your teeth.
The Importance of Brushing Teeth
Tooth brushing is an essential part of oral hygiene. Our teeth become covered with bacteria as a result of the food and drinks we consume throughout the day. These bacteria are called plaque, and if not removed regularly, they can cause tooth decay and gum disease over time. Tooth brushing removes this plaque, keeping teeth and gums healthy. It is also an effective method for preventing bad breath.
Obtaining regular and correct tooth brushing habits not only prevents tooth decay, but also prevents the development of gum diseases. Healthy gums play an important role in aesthetic and functional aspects by ensuring that teeth remain in the mouth for many years.
How to Brush Our Teeth Correctly
In order for tooth brushing to be effective, it must be done with the correct techniques. Here are the steps to consider for correct tooth brushing:
Choose the Right Toothbrush
Choosing a toothbrush is very important for dental health. A medium hardness brush should be preferred and all surfaces of the teeth should be easily reached by using a toothbrush with a small head. The bristles of the brush should be neither too hard nor too soft. Hard bristle brushes can damage tooth enamel, while very soft bristle brushes do not provide effective cleaning.
Use the Right Amount of Toothpaste
It is important not to overdo it when using toothpaste. For adults, a pea-sized amount of paste on a toothbrush is sufficient. Toothpastes, especially those containing fluoride, are effective in preventing cavities. However, using too much toothpaste can also damage gums.
Hold the Toothbrush at the Right Angle
The ideal method is to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums while brushing. This angle allows cleaning both the front surfaces of the teeth and the gums at the same time. The brush should be used with light circular movements and harsh back and forth movements should be avoided.
Clean All Surfaces of Teeth
Many people focus only on cleaning the front surfaces of their teeth when brushing. However, the back surfaces of the teeth and chewing surfaces are equally important. Food residues are especially prone to accumulate on the chewing surfaces of the molars, so care should be taken in these areas. Additionally, the areas close to the gums and under the tongue should not be forgotten.
Brush Your Teeth For Adequate Time
Tooth brushing time is as important as the technique used. In order for the teeth to be fully cleaned, they must be brushed for at least two minutes. Many people keep this time short, which may result in teeth not being cleaned adequately. It is necessary to spend enough time brushing to cover all surfaces of the teeth.
Massage the Gums
During tooth brushing, a gentle massage should be done to protect the health of not only the teeth but also the gums. Massaging the gums with circular movements without applying too much pressure increases blood circulation and helps prevent gum diseases.
Don’t Forget to Brush Your Tongue
The tongue is one of the places in the mouth where bacterial accumulation is most common. Therefore, regular brushing of the tongue is important for oral health. Tongue brushing also helps prevent bad breath.
Mistakes Made While Brushing Teeth
Tooth brushing can have negative effects on oral health if not applied with the correct techniques. At this point, one of the most common mistakes is brushing teeth too hard. Brushing too hard causes tooth enamel to wear away and can lead to tooth sensitivity over time. However, brushing your teeth gently and in a controlled manner helps keep tooth enamel and gums healthy in the long term. Another common mistake is insufficient brushing time.
Brushing teeth for just a few seconds prevents plaque from being completely removed. The 2-minute brushing time recommended by dentists is important to thoroughly clean every surface of the teeth. Additionally, not changing toothbrushes regularly is another factor that negatively affects dental health.
Brushes wear out and lose their effectiveness over time, so on average a toothbrush needs to be replaced every 3 months. Another mistake made while brushing is to brush in one direction, that is, with only horizontal movements. Horizontal movements alone can damage the gums and do not provide adequate cleaning. Brushing in circular motions, at the right angle, and gently massaging the gum line is the key to achieving the most effective results.
Teaching Children the Habit of Brushing Teeth
Teaching children the habit of brushing their teeth is one of the most important steps to help them have healthy teeth for life. If the habit of brushing teeth is acquired at an early age, problems such as tooth decay and gum diseases can be prevented to a large extent in the future.
Presenting tooth brushing to children as a fun activity helps them adopt this habit more easily. Children can be encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards tooth brushing through methods such as colorful toothbrushes, delicious toothpastes, and brushing together under the guidance of a parent.
In addition, it is important to explain in simple and understandable language why tooth brushing is necessary so that children can understand the importance of dental health. Parents being role models in this regard plays a big role in establishing the habit of regular tooth brushing.
