How to brush your teeth properly
Bacterial plaque is the transparent layer of bacteria that coats our teeth. They cause tooth decay and gum disease. The best way to remove the plaque is by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. Brushing your teeth correctly will ensure that you will have a beautiful and healthy smile. By following the following steps closely, you will learn how to brush your teeth properly and maintain a clean mouth that feels good and keeps your breath fresh.
STEPS:
- Moisten the toothbrush with clean water. Use a small head, soft toothbrush. Avoid using a hard toothbrush as it may cause damage to the gums and tooth surface.
- Squeeze a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste onto the toothbrush. Using a pea-sized amount will prevent too much toothpaste being used.
- Insert your toothbrush into your mouth and place it on the gum line at a 45-degree angle. Ensure the bristles are in contact with both the tooth surface and the gumline. The 45-degree angle has been reported to ensure the best cleaning between the teeth and gums as it ensures that bacteria is removed from the area between the teeth and gums where bacteria usually gets trapped.
- Gently brush the outer tooth surfaces using a vibrating back, forth and circular motion. Repeat this on 2-3 teeth at a time until all teeth have are brushed.
- Maintain a 45-degree angle with bristles contacting the inner tooth surface and gum line. Gently brush using a back and forth motion.
- Tilt the brush vertically behind the front teeth. Make several up and down strokes using the front half of the brush.
- Place the toothbrush against the biting surface of the teeth and clean using a scrubbing motion.
- Rinse the mouth out thoroughly with water to remove all traces of toothpaste.