Tooth Brushing Techniques using a Hand brush or an Electric Toothbrush!

Efficient toothbrushing is essential if we are to clean our teeth from food and plaque, that leads to tooth decay and gum diseases. Most people have not been taught how to use a toothbrush properly! Indeed, most people are still using their own methods learnt as a child ! Read below to learn how you can brush your teeth WITHOUT causing damage or missing vital areas to clean. It's never too late to improve your toothbrushing technique!!!


A hand held tooth brush can be just as good as an Electric Tooth Brush, but for most an Electric Tooth Brush is quicker, reaches difficult areas at the back of the mouth easier and polishes teeth better too.
Please read below for some simple yet useful guidance on this important subject....
Please note: Disclaimer - All information on this site is purely for general interest only - you should always seek external "independent" advice before acting upon ANYTHING published on this site. Thankyou.Copyright © 2001-2007 Dr.A.Kilcoyne. All rights reserved.


Correctly Brushing Your Teeth

Proper tooth brushing involves four things:
  • A soft toothbrush with a small head
  • Toothpaste with fluoride
  • The correct brushing angle
  • Brushing in a pattern, gently

It's important to brush at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush. The flexible bristles of a soft toothbrush are gentler on the gums, and make it much easier to remove the plaque below the gumline, where periodontal (gum) disease starts. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride hardens the outer enamel layer of the teeth. It can stop a cavity in its tracks and give you more resistance to future cavities. Angle the bristles of the brush along the gumline at a 45-degree angle.

See the Pictures below (courtesy of OralB and Braun!) which show good manual and electric tooth brushing techniques, flossing and interdental cleaning.
Please remember that there is ALWAYS a balance between cleaning enough to remove plaque, but not over cleaning and wearing the gums away !
Apply firm but gentle pressure so some of the bristles slide under the gumline. Start with one jaw and move the brush over the entire surface of two or three teeth at a time in small, circular motions. Allow some overlap as you move to the next teeth. Tilt the brush vertically and use the tip to brush the backs of the front teeth. This is important because front teeth are arranged in a curve and the long, straight head of the brush can't make full contact properly. So use the narrow part of a toothbrush vertically, behind upper and lower front teeth. An Electric Toothbrush cleans efficiently and has a nice small head too, for those difficult areas at the back of the mouth etc. Even though I am a Dentist, my ElectricToothbrush still cleans more efficiently than my handbrush.

It's fine to brush in any regular pattern you choose, but since the insides of the teeth tend to get less attention, you might start with the insides of the upper teeth, then go to the insides of the lower teeth. Switch to the outsides of the lower teeth, and then the outsides of the upper teeth. Brush the chewing surfaces of the upper teeth, then the lower teeth. End by gently brushing your tongue and the roof of your mouth. This removes germs to help keep your breath fresh.

Generally, people continue with the brushing pattern that they taught themselves in childhood. Often, this means it isn't as good as it could be, or even teeth are brushed too hard in some areas, actually causing abrasion groove cavities and sensitivity! Changing old habits (Dental or otherwise) is never easy, but if a big change is made (such as swapping to an electric toothbrush), then one can achieve the benefits of those changes easier.

Ask your Dentist or Specialist for the personal advice that is most appropriate for you.
Please click the "Home" button at the end of this page, or visit www.smilespecialist.co.uk directly, to find out all the other Cosmetic and Advanced treatments we can provide too!

You may also click directly onto one of the following pages:
Tooth Bleaching and Whitening or Dental and mini Implants or Dental Emergencies and Toothaches

Alternatively, you can Click here for many Patient Info. pages...

To know more about Dr.Kilcoyne's CV, Resume, Qualifications, Experience etc, Click Here for CV link

To see our prices Comprehensively, just Click for Prices Here (Please remember that we are Specialists!)




Copyright © 2001-2007 Dr.A.Kilcoyne. All rights reserved.