Brushing

 

Regular, thorough brushing is a very important step in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing removes the bacteria which promote tooth decay and removes plaque which can cause gum disease.

Ideally, you should brush after every meal, because the bacterial attack on teeth begins minutes after eating. At the very least, brush once a day and always before you go to bed.

Brushing your teeth isn't complicated, but there is a right and a wrong way:

- Brush at a 45 degree angle to your teeth. Direct the bristles to where your gums and teeth meet. Use a gentle, circular, massaging motion, up and down. Don't scrub. Gums that recede visibly are often a result of years of brushing too hard.

- Clean every surface of every tooth- the chewing surface, the cheek side, and the tongue side.

- Don't rush your brush. A thorough brushing should take at least two to three minutes. Try timing yourself.

- Change your usual brushing pattern. Most people brush their teeth the same way all the time. That means they miss the same spots all the time. Try reversing your usual pattern.

The right toothbrush cleans better. Use a soft brush with rounded bristles. Choose a size and shape that allow you to reach all the way to your back teeth. There are many different types of brushes, so ask your dentist to suggest the best one for you. The Canadian Dental Association recommends you replace your toothbrush every three months.