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Relatively few people have an idea of the correct brushing techniques; studies have shown it is just about 60%.  It is recommended that you brush your teeth properly at least twice daily, since brushing plays a vital role in reducing tooth decay and gum diseases.
It is in many people’s minds that brushing is a task  that just takes a few minutes. Yes, it is a simple task that should be accomplished effortlessly. However, most people do it incorrectly, either by skipping some teeth because they are doing it in a hurry, or they rubbing the teeth so hard such that they end up damaging the gums, and even the teeth themselves.
A proper brushing technique is expected to take two to three minutes, and no longer. So how can one perfect the correct brushing techniques?

  • To begin with, and assuming you are using the right toothpaste, the brush should initially rest on the gumline.
  • From the gums move the toothbrush to the edge of the teeth, and then on to the tooth surface where the dental plaque collects.
  • Move the toothbrush back and forth, and brush the teeth one after the other.
  • Then brush the other outer surfaces in the same manner as you did with the inner ones.
  • Horizontally brush the chewing surfaces
  • Now you can spit all the toothpaste out of your mouth and rinse it with water, or your preferred mouthwash.
  • Afterwards it is advisable to use dental floss which is the last exercise in completing the process of proper dental hygiene.

Even after the above process of tooth brushing, not all bacteria in your mouth will be cleared away. Some remain behind and will start damaging your teeth within the next few hours after brushing. This supports the dentists’ recommendation of brushing at least twice daily.
Bacteria can easily hide on the back molars; hence while toothbrushing you should pay special attention to them, and especially at the gumline where gum diseases starts from. If you experience incidences of bad breath, brushing the roof of your mouth may also greatly help. Your tongue is also another contributor to bad breath; hence brushing it helps in freshening up your mouth.
It is not recommended to use hard brushes or those with stiff bristles while brushing. They are likely to hurt the enamel which is likely to cause tooth sensitivity or damage to the gums, and even wearing away of the hard tooth surface.

Contact a dentist or dental hygienist at Water Brook Dental in Washington DC for a dental check-up and other dental needs. Water Brook Dental has two locations in Washington DC. The Columbia Heights location is very  conveniently located to Downtown DC, Northeast DC, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U-Street Corridor, Mount Pleasant and many other parts of Washington. The Eastern Ave NW location is conveniently located to Downtown Silver Spring, Takoma Park MD, Silver Spring MD, Colesville, and other parts of Maryland as well as Northern Virginia and other parts of Virginia.