Cleaning

What are the four things required for proper toothbrushing?

• A soft toothbrush
• Toothpaste with fluoride
• The correct angle of brushing
• Brushing in a pattern

Why is a soft toothbrush so important?

• A soft toothbrush makes it much easier to remove the plaque below the gumline, where periodontal (gum) disease starts.

How many times a day should I brush?

• It's important to brush at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush.

Why is it important to use a fluoride toothpaste?

• Fluoride hardens the outer enamel layer of the teeth. It might stop a cavity in its tracks and give you more resistance to cavities.

What is the correct way to brush my teeth?

• Angle the bristles of the brush along the gumline at a 45 degree angle. Apply firm pressure so the bristles slide under the gumline.
• Vibrate the brush while you move it in short back and forth strokes and in small circular motions.
• Brush two or three teeth at a time, then move to the next teeth, allowing some overlap.
• Tilt the brush and use the tip to brush the backs of the front teeth.
• It's fine to brush in any regular pattern you choose, but since the insides of the teeth tend to get less attention, you might start with the insides of the upper teeth, then go to the insides of the lower teeth.
• Switch to the outsides of the upper teeth, and then the outsides of the lower teeth.
• Brush the chewing surfaces of the upper teeth, then the lower teeth.
• End by gently brushing your tongue and the roof of your mouth. This removes germs and keeps your breath fresh.

Question - What does this picture show?

Answer - A child who has used a disclosing solution, the pink and red bits show where they have failed to clean.

Other Brushes

Interspace Brush (single tufted)

• Is ideal for removing plaque from difficult to reach areas e.g. behind the very back teeth or where single teeth are missing.

Interdental Brushes (micro-brushes)

• These resemble very small bottle brushes and are used to clean the spaces between the teeth. We often refer to these brushes as (micro-whites or micro-greens).

How is an interdental brush used?

• Holding the handle parallel to the biting surfaces of the teeth, gently slide the brush between two teeth close to the gumline.
• Try to aim the brush straight into the gap, if you come in at an angle the brush will bend.
• Brush the surface of one tooth, then the next with a gentle in and out motion (the brush will not move up and down within the space).
• Work your way around the mouth cleaning every space in this way.
• You may need more than one size of brush for different areas of the mouth.