Brushing

The Australian Dental Association recommends brushing two times per day, for 2 minutes each time.

Plaque, which is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day, can be effectively removed through regular brushing. By eliminating plaque and bacteria, you contribute to the overall health of your teeth and gums, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Cleaning your tongue is also important as bacteria tend to accumulate on its surface. To properly care for your teeth, it's essential to have the right tools, including a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste.

When using toothpaste, opt for one that contains fluoride to help protect against tooth decay. For older children and adults, squeeze a "pea-sized" amount of toothpaste onto the toothbrush. For infants and young children, apply only a smear of toothpaste on the bristles.

Remember to brush your teeth twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bed at night, dedicating two minutes each time. Brushing your teeth before bedtime should be the final step in your routine, without consuming any food or drink afterwards.

To effectively brush your teeth, divide your mouth into four quadrants and spend approximately 30 seconds on each. Research has shown that brushing for only one minute removes, on average, 27% of dental plaque, while two minutes of brushing removes around 42%

 Avoid applying too much pressure while brushing, as it can potentially damage your teeth and lead to faster wear of the bristles. Worn or spread-apart bristles may hinder effective teeth cleaning. Some electric toothbrushes feature a built-in pressure sensor that alerts you when you're exerting excessive pressure.

 

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to brush using a manual toothbrush:

1. Wet the toothbrush's bristles with a small amount of water.
2. Squeeze toothpaste onto the bristles.
3. Position the toothbrush in your mouth at a 45-degree angle, with the bristles covering both your teeth and gums. Use gentle circular or back-and-forth motions to brush. Remember to reach all tooth surfaces, starting with the top right side, moving to the top left, then the lower left, and finally the lower right.
4. Adjust the toothbrush as needed to access the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
5. Brush down to the gums to remove bacteria residing in these areas.
6. After brushing, spit out the toothpaste foam but refrain from rinsing your mouth with water. Allowing a layer of fluoride toothpaste to remain on your teeth provides extended protection.

Click the link to watch the latest video of brushing technique by the Australian Dental Association https://youtu.be/36gA2jMAnnw

To keep track of the two-minute brushing period, you can use a sand timer, phone timer, play a song, or utilize a toothbrushing phone app. Some powered toothbrushes come with built-in timers to help you stay on track.

When deciding between an electric or manual toothbrush, scientific studies have shown that electric toothbrushes offer benefits over manual ones. Electric toothbrushes have been found to be more effective in removing plaque and reducing gum inflammation, both in the short and long term. However, a manual toothbrush can still work well if used correctly and reaches all tooth surfaces.

When it comes to brushing children's teeth, follow these guidelines:

• Children should brush their teeth twice a day, in the morning and at night. Nighttime brushing should be the last activity before bed, with no food or drink afterwards.
• Brushing for 2 minutes is recommended.
• Parents should assist children with toothbrushing until they reach approximately 8 or 9 years of age, when they have better control. A good indicator of readiness is when a child starts using a pen at school.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is an important part of toothbrushing. Toothpaste has ingredients that can help to protect our teeth. 

Now, let's discuss toothpaste usage according to different age groups:

0 to 18 months of age:

Children in this age range do not need to use toothpaste while brushing.

18 months to 6 years:

Use a "children's" toothpaste that contains fluoride. These toothpastes have lower fluoride content compared to adult toothpastes and are available in various flavors, such as strawberry. Apply only a smear of toothpaste to the toothbrush. Pressing the paste into the bristles helps it adhere. After brushing, your child should spit out excess toothpaste without rinsing their mouth with water.

6 years and older:

Use a toothpaste containing fluoride. The fluoride content can range from 1000 parts per million (ppm) to 1450ppm. Individuals with severe tooth decay may be advised by a dentist to use toothpaste with a higher fluoride concentration.

Remember, maintaining proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing, is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums at any age.