The Gut and Skin Clinic

How to Brush

What's the best way to brush your teeth?

A wonderful and unexpected benefit that often comes with having 1 hour laser teeth whitening at Dublin Vitality Centre is the renewed interest in caring for teeth. Suddenly, we notice our teeth, and we have a reason to ensure they stay healthy. How many of us give a second thought about how we brush our teeth?
It’s true. A set of beaming white teeth can do wonders to one’s confidence. Unfortunately, taking care of one’s teeth comes as an afterthought to many. That is one of the reasons why about 40% of people over the age of 65 do not have a complete set of teeth. Talk to dentists and they will all give the same advice: brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss your teeth, and schedule a visit to your dentist regularly.
For most people, brushing their teeth involves putting in a few strokes, rinsing and gargling. Correct brushing teeth technique is essential to oral hygiene and is a person’s first line of dental defense against cavities and other dental problems.

Top Tips for Tooth Brushing after Laser Teeth Whitening

  • At the barest minimum, dentists recommend brushing teeth for two minutes at least twice daily. They also recommend using an electric toothbrush over a manual one. However, when all you have is a manual toothbrush, you should choose one that has soft bristles to prevent damaging the enamel.

  •  Dentists recommend holding the tooth brush in a 45 degree angle against the gum line. When brushing your teeth, it should be done gently, starting at the point where the tooth and gum meet up to the chewing surface. It is important to make gentle strokes while brushing as vigorous strokes may cause the gums to recede, lead to tooth sensitivity, or worse, lead to the loss of teeth.

  • A forward and back motion is found to be the most effective method when brushing your teeth. Short sweeping motions are effective for cleaning the chewing surface while tipping your brush’s bristles help to clean the pits and crevices of the back teeth.

  •  But brushing does not end with your teeth. As part of good oral hygiene, one should also brush the roof of the mouth and the tongue which may conceal bacteria that cause bad breath. Remember to use fluoride toothpaste and to change your brush every three to four months.

  • Brushing, however, is not enough. As people eat, small particles of food get caught in between teeth and under the gum line. These particles lead to plaque build-up when ignored. Unfortunately, brushing cannot reach these areas. That is why it is important to complement brushing with flossing. Dentists recommend flossing at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.

  • Unknown to many, human saliva may also contribute to a person’s susceptibility to dental cavities. An imbalance in the pH level of the saliva can lead to dental problems.