Why Proper Brushing Matters for Oral Health

• Proper brushing removes plaque, prevents cavities, protects gums and keeps your breath fresh.
• When done incorrectly, brushing can lead to tooth decay, gum problems, and enamel damage over time.
• Mouth naturally contains bacteria, when these bacteria mix with food particles, they form plaque- if it isn’t removed regularly, it can harden into tartar, leading to cavities, gum disease, bad breath.

Right tools for proper brushing

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can damage enamel and irritate gums. Consider a small head toothbrush so it can reach all areas of mouth.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities.
• Change the toothbrush in every 3-4 months.

When to brush

• Brushing your teeth twice a day- once in the morning and once before bed is recommended.li>
• Brushing at night is important because bacteria multiply while you sleep.

Correct brushing technique

• Effective brushing involves bass technique for adults and Fones techniques for children.
• Always use a soft brush, brush for 2 mins, twice daily, and gently clean all surfaces, including your tongue, to prevent damage and decay.

For Adult

• Use a small strip amount of toothpaste.
• Hold the toothbrush at 45-degree angle to the gums. This helps clean both the teeth and the gumline.
• On outer/ inner surfaces use short, gentle circular movements to clean alongside the gumline and teeth.
• On chewing surface use flat brush with back-and-forth motions.
• For front tooth [ inner surface] – tilt the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes.li>
• On tongue- sweep from back to front to remove bacteria that cause bad breath.

For Children

• Use pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
• Keep teeth closed, use gentle, wide circular motions to brush each set of teeth.

General tips

• Duration- brush for full two minutes, twice a day [ morning and night].
• Pressure- brush gently, brushing too hard can wear down enamel and cause gum recession..
• Brush- use a soft- bristled brush and replace it every 3-4 months.
• Routine- develop a consistent order to ensure you clean every area (back and inner surface of teeth).
• Do not brush immediately after acidic foods, wait at least 30 minutes to avoid enamel damage.
• Duration- brush for full two minutes, twice a day [ morning and night].

Additional tips for better oral health

• Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks, which feed harmful bacteria.
• Drink plenty of water to help wash away minute food particles.
• Visit dental clinics in every 6 months for regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.

Frequently Asked Questions