How to Brush Your Teeth

Brushing is the foremost important aspect of attaining good oral health. Alongside flossing and visiting a dentist regularly, proper brushing can help children prevent many oral health conditions from arising. Brushing is as important in primary teeth as it is in permanent teeth. The primary, or baby, teeth pave the way for optimal development of our permanent teeth, but that also means they can cause many complications without proper care.

Proper brushing techniques and information are available at Myriam Cerezo, DMD, Pediatric Dentist in Holland and the surrounding area. We can help your child achieve a healthy oral cavity by teaching them lifestyle habits, such as brushing correctly, to maintain good oral health.

The Importance of Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing helps prevent plaque, a clear film of bacteria that sticks to the teeth. Plaque consists of bacteria and feeds off of acids found in foods and beverages. Sugary foods and acidic beverages cause the most plaque buildup and are the greatest threat to the oral cavity. When plaque builds up, it breaks down our natural tooth enamel, the outermost layer that protects the teeth.

Plaque buildup eventually results in tartar, a hardened material of bacteria that can only be removed with professional dental tools. When plaque and tartar consistently remain on the teeth, enamel wears down, leading to tooth decay, cavities, and gum-related issues. Tartar is most common along the gum line, which causes the gums to swell and bleed. Eventually, the gums become weak and can easily develop gum disease. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits help prevent this occurrence and can keep the teeth, gums, and jaw healthy long-term.

When to Brush Your Teeth

Dentists unanimously agree that brushing at least twice daily ensures healthy, clean teeth throughout the day. We recommend brushing once in the morning and once before bed for two minutes each time. Some people may brush after each meal to keep plaque at bay. However, it is important to avoid brushing for 15-30 minutes after eating or drinking as the acid can irritate the teeth and gums.

The American Dental Association (ADA) advises patients to use a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits inside their mouth. Children’s sizes go by age and are typically stated on the packaging. Make sure to change out the toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or as soon as the bristles become worn. Toothpaste should have a sufficient amount of fluoride, especially those that are ADA-approved.

Proper Tooth Brushing Technique

Proper brushing is just as important as frequency and length of time. Many people never learn the correct way to brush their teeth, and that number is even higher in children. We recommend all patients brush their teeth for at least 2 minutes. Young children (under 5) may need guidance on how to brush their teeth until they learn how to hold and brush on their own.

When brushing, the proper technique is 1.) hold the brush with an angle of about 45 degrees, center the brush between the teeth and gum line, and gently brush in a circular motion; 2.) ensure brushing the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces of all teeth; 3.) finish off by brushing the tongue and roof of the mouth; 4.) rinse well and gargle.

Some patients sing a song in their head or put a timer on for two minutes until they are used to the length it takes. Each child is different, and some may take more time to grasp the technique in brushing each tooth properly. It is a good idea to monitor the child and check the angles as they brush until they can do it independently.

Standard vs. Electric Toothbrushes

A standard toothbrush is manual (or handheld) and has a plastic or rubber handle and nylon bristles. They typically come in a soft, medium, or hard bristles. There are a variety of new standard toothbrushes that use different bristles, such as bamboo, varying patterns, such as v-shape or wavy, and toothbrush heads, such as straight, contra-angle, non-slip grip, and flexible. There are vegan bristle brushes and special brushes for those with allergies.

Electric toothbrushes, or power brushes, are rechargeable and do most of the work. A 2019 study by the Oral Health Organization found that people who use an electric toothbrush have healthier gums, less tooth decay, and keep their teeth for longer, compared with those who use a manual toothbrush. Cochrane Oral Health Group found that there was an "11% reduction in plaque at one to three months of use, and a 21% reduction in plaque when assessed after three months of use.” Most electric toothbrushes provide more plaque removal, are gentler on the gums, contain a two-minute timer, clean tooth-by-tooth, and fulfill more strokes per minute (about 3,000 vs. 300 with manual).

Other Ways to Maintain Oral Health

Aside from brushing, flossing is the single most important way to protect the teeth and gums and prevent oral health problems. Flossing removes plaque and excess food debris from between the teeth, a common breeding ground for bacteria. Many patients develop cavities in between the teeth, compromising not just one tooth but two. It is recommended to floss before brushing, in order to reduce overall plaque and increase fluoride concentration on and in between the teeth.

Another crucial aspect of maintaining good oral health is regular dental checkups and cleanings. The dentist conducts a physical examination, takes X-rays, and provides a professional tooth cleaning, during routine dental visits. Early on, this exam helps detect signs of decay or dental complications, such as crowding issues. Dentists can often diagnose problem areas early and provide preventative treatments to help avoid further complications from arising later on. Even those who have clean, healthy teeth need a professional cleaning once or twice a year to maintain oral health.