Scientifically, we know mouthwashes don't eliminate the interdental plaque. It also isn't enough to reduce the pH of our saliva with chewing gum if we haven't first eliminated the bacteria with the right kind of toothbrush. Brush vertically, not horizontally.
Results: The differences in mean plaque scores between pre- and postbrushing were statistically significant for both methods. Considering the interbrushing differences, the vertical method produced lower plaque scores compared to the horizontal for the whole mouth (P=.
In the horizontal method, the brush is moved back and forth in short horizontal strokes, which may damage the gums. Therefore, although it is widely used, it is not very effective in controlling dental plaque.
Use Vertical or Circular Strokes
Avoid brushing with horizontal strokes across the teeth. Vertical or circular strokes will work better to remove plaque by getting into the crevices of the teeth.
Proper Brushing Technique
Hold the bristles gently against the outside of your top teeth, near the gum line, at about a 45-degree angle upward. Sweep the brush gently back and forth over teeth and gums in soft strokes — or, if you prefer, use an elliptical (circular) motion to clean the teeth.
The brushing method recommended to general persons in Korea is the 3-3-3 brushing method campaign, which involves only toothbrushing behavior (the time and frequency); 3-3-3 means brushing one's teeth 3 times per day, within 3 minutes after having a meal, for at least 3 minutes each time.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the 2/2 rule: brush for 2 minutes in the morning and 2 minutes at night with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You could brush more often if you like, but the minimum for healthy teeth and gums is the 2/2 rule.
Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the teeth meet the gums. Press firmly, and gently rock the brush back and forth using small circular movements. Do not scrub.
It's pretty easy to see teeth or jaw misalignment. Simply close your mouth, then open your lips. You should see the line between your top front incisors line up with the bottom front incisors at their natural positions. If that vertical line has shifted, your teeth or jaws are out of alignment.
Horizontal Scrub Technique:
The main advantage of this brushing technique is its simplicity. However, a major disadvantage of this brushing technique is cervical abrasion of teeth, which is particularly seen in patients who do vigorous brushing and/or use hard tooth-brushes.
By making short, light horizontal movements, the plaque is removed from above the gum line. The motion helps to remove plaque and stimulate the gums, and is great for targeting small groups of teeth effectively. Once you have finished with a set of teeth, move to the next and repeat. Bass (Sulcular) Brushing Method.
Gum Disease
Gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup on your teeth. If you don't brush regularly, the plaque can build up and cause an infection in your gums. This infection can cause bleeding and inflammation of your gums. Over time, this could lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support your teeth.
Brushing too hard wears away the white teeth enamel. "When the enamel wears away, the teeth become more yellow and can also become more sensitive. "So brush gently and use a softer brush."
Try the Bass or Sulcular technique
It involves brushing around and under the gumline where bacteria and plaque accumulate — and often go uncleaned. With this dental care technique, you can reach under the gums to scrub off plaque and prevent them from hardening into tartar and resulting in gum disease.
Clean The Surface Of Your Upper & Lower Teeth
Next, and using this same gentle up-and-down brush stroke, pay attention to cleaning the inside surface of your upper and lower teeth. The gums around this area tend to get forgotten because they are the parts of the teeth and mouth we don't see.
Two minutes is the recommended duration for a tooth brushing session. The average person's brushing time is ONLY 45 seconds. Anything shorter than 2 minutes doesn't give the fluoride in your toothpaste enough time to attach to the enamel in your tooth enamel.
Twice is enough for most people, but three times won't hurt!
We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day: once in the morning (i.e. around 30 minutes after breakfast), and once before bed! But if you want to go for three, that's no issue, just as long as you don't brush too hard or too soon after eating!
Similarly to flossing, your dental team will also be able to tell if you don't brush your teeth often enough or even if you brush too hard.
You should refrain from brushing more than three times a day, because brushing too often will wear down the enamel of your teeth. You must brush at least twice, but not more than three times a day.
Angle Of Attack Matters: Many of us brush our teeth at a flat angle, 90 degrees to the tooth. Proper tooth brushing requires a 45-degree angle to remove plaque and food debris efficiently.
Brushing your teeth is crucial for fighting cavities and tooth decay. A study by Delta Dental found that 70 percent of Americans brush their teeth twice a day, typically once before bedtime and once when they wake up. On average, Americans brush their teeth for 1 minute 52 seconds.
Brushing your teeth is meant to remove harmful bacteria and plaque but not to whiten them. As recommended by your dentist, brushing twice a day is vital because it prevents cavities and tooth decay. Brushing alone will not whiten your teeth, though, and even whitening toothpaste only has a minimal effect on your teeth.
The key is not so much on the number but more on the efficiency. That said, brushing three times or even two times a day is not as significant as what you were made to think. In fact, most experts say that even with just once-a-day brushing, it is already enough to keep bacteria and cavities at bay.