Brushing Teeth

There are several ways to efficiently brush your teeth. To determine the technique best suited for you, consult your dentist or hygienist. These various techniques depend on tooth position and gum condition since this differs from person to person. An effective, easy- to-remember technique utilizes a circular or elliptical movement of the toothbrush while brushing your teeth. This is done by:

• Position the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle beside your teeth.

• Gently brush teeth in an elliptical motion.

• Brush the inside, and outside of your teeth, the tongue, the chewing surfaces, and in between teeth.

• Avoid using a back and forth motion as this may diminish the gum surface, or expose the root surface or make the root surface tender. You also risk weakening the gum line.

This is done to clean several teeth at a time, eventually cleaning the entire mouth. Ideally, brushing your teeth should take about 3-4 minutes. This could be monitored using several ways. Brushing your teeth while listening to the radio is one of these methods as the average length of a song is also 3-4 minutes. Using an egg timer is another efficient way to monitor your brushing time. It is better to brush twice a day using the whole 3-4 minutes than brushing 5 times a day using shorter periods of time.

A soft-bristled, nylon tooth brush is recommended over medium or hard bristles. These medium and hard-bristled tooth brushes are too abrasive and can wear down teeth. A tooth brush's head is usually small, about 1" by 1/2", for easy access. A soft, rounded, multi-tufted brush can clean teeth effectively.

Brushing your teeth should not be neglected even while at work. Here are some easy ways to improve your work-time brushing habits:

• Use sticky notes as a reminder to brush teeth after lunch.

• Brush teeth right after lunch, before you become absorbed in work.

• Store your toothbrush and toothpaste at work in a convenient and handy place.

• Make brushing your teeth part of your freshening up routine at work.