Last year we recommended what toothbrush to use. If you’ve just become a new fan of our page or you’ve missed it, you can read it here on our website 😉 As well as choosing the right toothbrush the focus should actually be on the correct brushing technique. Next time when you see your dentist or dental hygienist just check with them. You might be surprised! So the question you ask is…
So is there really a right way and a wrong way to brushing?
Brushing itself is a very abrasive action which can damage the protective enamel layer covering your teeth which can also cause receding gums and in time, bring about teeth sensitivity. At school or by your parents you might have been taught to brush sideways in a sawing motion backwards and forwards or perhaps to brush up and down or circular in a vigorous motion. Sorry to say, but these are all bad techniques and while you don’t see any problems right now it’s the longterm damaging effects that will cause your teeth and gums to weaken. So the advice is to slow down and in a much gentler motion tilt your brush upwards at a 45 degree angle (to get below the gum line) and wiggle back and forth concentrating on 2-3 teeth at a time. Don’t forget to do the same for the insides of your front and bottom teeth. Brush the molar teeth in short back and forth strokes.
There are plenty of good online videos that you can watch and the technique is widely known as the Bass Technique. But don’t be shy to ask your dentist or hygienist in your next appointment for a demonstration. It will take time to get use to a different technique but you will notice a difference once it becomes routine.