Toothbrushing

With a manual toothbrush

You should always brush for at least 2 minutes first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
The best type of toothbrush to use is a medium texture with a small head (size3.5).
Make sure you brush the area where the teeth meet the gum.
Spit out after tooth brushing, but don’t rinse to get the most benefit from the toothpaste.
After brushing the lower teeth spit out, and then apply more toothpaste before doing the upper teeth.

Manual method

Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth, then tilt the bristle tips to a 45 degree angle against the gum line.
Move the brush in small circular movements, several times, on all the surfaces of every tooth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make small circular strokes with the toe (the front part) of the brush.

1. Start on your lower teeth first, brush all the outer surfaces – following the above method.

2. Brush all the inner surfaces of the lower teeth – following the above method.

3. Brush the biting surfaces of the lower teeth using a scrubbing motion, only when you have finished brushing the bottom teeth, should you move to the top teeth.

4. Repeat the same procedure for the top teeth.
Note – When using a Sonicare toothbrush the same technique as a manual toothbrush should be used.

Changing your toothbrush

To keep your teeth fit and healthy, you need a fit and healthy toothbrush. Clinical studies have shown a new toothbrush removes 30% more plaque than one 3 months old.

Change your toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles begin to splay.

Remember to use fluoride toothpaste.

Do not be put off by bleeding from your gums when you brush. Bleeding is your body’s way of saying “brush more” not “brush less”. If you continue to brush in the way shown, the bleeding will resolve as your gums become healthy again.

Toothbrushing Tips

The most important thing to remember whilst brushing is to have a systematic approach.
If you have a system you never tend to miss any areas.

When brushing upper molars you may find it difficult getting access with your toothbrush and your Dentist or Hygienist may tell you that you are missing these areas.

A handy tip for brushing these teeth is to close slightly whilst brushing as this will allow your cheeks more elasticity and give you better access.
If you are brushing the right hand side upper molars then move your lower jaw to the right and when brushing the left hand side upper molars move your lower jaw to the left, whilst closing slightly, this will allow you even better access to get your toothbrush right up to the gum margins of these back teeth.

When brushing the inside of the lower teeth tilt your chin down look in an elevated mirror and you will be able to see that you are cleaning round the gum line better.

Tooth brushing should be done first, then use interdental aids as advised by your Dentist or Dental Hygienist either use floss or TePe interdental brushes, or a combination of both.

Finally clean your tongue at least once a day with a tongue cleaner to promote fresh breath.