Electric toothbrushes are a great choice if you are a lazy brusher and think that the electric toothbrush might encourage you to spend more time on your teeth; however, you can do just as good of a job with a manual toothbrush — it’s all in the technique. [4] X Expert Source Tu Anh Vu, DMDBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 10 April 2020. One good method is to brush with a manual toothbrush in the morning and use an electric toothbrush at night. You should avoid toothbrushes with “natural” bristles made from animal hair as these can harbor bacteria and must be replaced more frequently.
Research has found that thousands of microbes call toothbrush bristles and handles “home,” and can cause infections. At about three months, bristles become sharp due to friction and can cause your gums to bleed. Always rinse your brush after using it, and store it upright and uncovered so that it can dry before your next use. Otherwise bacteria will grow. [5] X Research source
You can get toothpaste to target a wide variety of dental and gum problems, including cavities, tartar, sensitive teeth and gums, gingivitis and stained teeth. Opt for the one that suits your best or ask your dentist or hygienist for advice. [8] X Research source
Remember to floss gently. Don’t “snap” the floss between the teeth as this can irritate sensitive gums. Ease it down gently, following the curve of each tooth. If you find dental floss awkward to use, or you have braces, look for dental picks instead. These are small wooden or plastic sticks that you can insert between teeth, achieving the same results as flossing if spaces are large enough. Alternatively, you can use flossers, which are small pieces of floss strung between 2 supports, generally with a pick at the opposite end.
If brushing is painful, try brushing more gently with accurate circle motion only or switch to a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth.
Try starting at the outside lower left teeth, moving to the outside lower right, then outside upper right to the upper left. Change to inside uppers and brush inside upper right, inside lower right, and finally inside lower left. If you get bored, try brushing your teeth while watching television or hum a song to yourself while you brush. Brushing your teeth for the duration of an entire song will ensure that you brush thoroughly!
To access outside top molars always swing the lower jaw to the side you are working on. This will increase the space available to move your brush up and down by several times so that no sideways motion occurs.
Note that there is some debate on whether or not this is recommended. While some feel that it reduces the efficacy of the topical fluoride treatment, others wish to ensure that no fluoride is ingested. There are also those who just don’t like having toothpaste in their mouths! If you’re at high risk of getting cavities, it may be beneficial not to rinse, or rinse with just a small amount of water — effectively creating a fluoride mouthwash. [15] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Other studies have shown that rinsing after brushing has no significant impact on the effectiveness of brushing with a fluoride toothpaste. [16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
For complete antibacterial protection rinse with a chlorhexidine mouthwash before going to bed, but do not use it for longer than two weeks in a row.
