Tooth brushing 101

Although tooth brushing is one of the first things every one of us do as soon as we wake up, you will be surprised that many of us don’t really do it properly – and there’s no shame in it. Visits to Clarkson Dentaland other dental offices will tell you the importance of brushing thoroughly. Here are the basics of tooth brushing, whether you’d just like a reminder or want to make sure you are doing it right.
-Tooth brushing must be performed with the eruption of the first baby teeth (4-6 months) and continued throughout the entire life.
-It must be done at least 2 times/ day, with age-appropriate brushes; morning and evening brushes are mandatory.
-The fluoride content in the toothpaste should be suitable for your age category (500 - 600 ppm F for children; over 1200 ppm F for adults)
-Tooth brushing should last between 3 and 5 minutes.
-The toothbrush should be replaced every 3-4 months.
-For a correct brushing, the toothbrush must be placed along the gum, at an angle of 45 degrees to the teeth, so that the brushes are in contact with both the gum and the tooth surface.
-With a light pressure, short vertical and circular movements must be performed, from the gum to the tooth and horizontally, back and forth.
-Tooth brushing must be performed systematically, in groups of 2-3 teeth, from right to left, first on the upper teeth and then on the lower teeth.
-The movements must be repeated at least 5 times for each group of teeth (the internal surface of the teeth has to be brushed in the same way).
-Once the teeth are properly brushed, the hygiene of the tongue follows (the tongue must also be brushed from the inside to the outside, to remove the bacterial plaque and refresh the breath).









