Tooth brushing will remove dental plaque and other debris from your teeth. Plaque plays a primary role in oral disease such as tooth decay and gum disease. The best way to remove plaque from the tooth surface on a daily home care basis is through toothbrushing and some form of "between the teeth" cleaning.



BRUSHING YOUR TEETH

The following toothbrush technique is commonly recommended . You should see your dental hygienist to ensure that you are using a technique that meets your needs.
Use a soft bristled brush (synthetic bristles preferably because natural bristles tend to harbor the oral bacteria as the bristles are more porous). Be sure it is the right size (generally smaller is better than larger)
Place the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the teeth. Slide the tips of the brush under the gums.
Jiggle the bristles very gently so that any plaque growing under the gum will be removed.
Be sure to brush the outside, the tongue side and the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
For the front teeth, brush the inside surfaces of the upper and lower jaws by tilting the brush vertically and making several up and down strokes with the front part of the brush over the teeth and gum tissues.
Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath. Debris and bacteria can collect on your tongue and cause bad breath.
Your toothbrush will only clean one or two teeth at a time. Change its position to properly clean each tooth
To prevent plaque damage, be sure to brush at least once every day, preferably at bedtime. Adding a brush time after breakfast increases your chances of thorough daily plaque removal.
Don’t rush your brush. A thorough brushing should take at least 3 minutes.
Brushing the teeth too vigorously or using a hard bristled toothbrush causes the gums to recede and exposes root surfaces. It also wears down the tooth structure. Both of these conditions can lead to tooth sensitivity.
A pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste is all you need, should you choose to use a toothpaste.
Replace your brush when the bristles begin to spread. A worn out toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth.

How should I brush?
Brushing removes plaque and food particles from the inner, outer and biting surfaces of your teeth.

Here is one method of removing plaque:
1. Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth, then tilt the bristle tips to a 45 degree angle against the gumline. Move the brush in small circular movements, several times, on all the surfaces of every tooth.

2. Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against the gumline.
3. Use the same method on the inside surfaces of all your teeth.
4. Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
5. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small circular strokes with the toe (the front part) of the brush.
6. Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath and will clean your mouth by removing bacteria. Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle



How often should I brush my teeth?
Be sure to brush thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, more often if your dentist recommends it. If you keep getting discomfort or bleeding after brushing go to see your dentist about it.



How often should I change my toothbrush?
Worn-out toothbrushes cannot clean your teeth properly and may damage your gums. It is important to change your toothbrush every two to three months, or sooner if the filaments become worn. When bristles become splayed, they do not clean properly.



How do electric toothbrushes work?
An electric brush often has rotating or vibrating head, which provides a large amount of cleaning action with very little movement needed from the user.



Do electric toothbrushes clean better?
Tests have proved that certain electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque. They are particularly useful for people with limited movement, such as disabled or elderly people, who often find that using a normal toothbrush does not allow them to clean thoroughly. Electric toothbrushes can also be better for children as they may be more inclined to brush regularly because of the novelty of using an electric toothbrush. Discuss the idea with your dentist or hygienist to find out if you would benefit from using an electric toothbrush.



What sort of toothpaste should I use?
As well as regular family toothpastes, there are many specialist toothpastes. These include tartar control for people who are prone to tartar build-up, and ones for people with sensitive teeth. Total care toothpastes include ingredients to help fight gum disease, freshen breath and help reduce plaque build-up. Whitening toothpastes are good at removing staining, but are not strong enough to change the natural shade of the teeth.

Children’s toothpastes have about half the level of fluoride that adult toothpastes have. They still provide extra protection for the teeth, but as children have a tendency to ‘eat’ their toothpaste, there is less risk of them taking in too much fluoride.

To have a clean and healthy mouth you need to use the correct dental care products. Ask your dentist or hygienist to tell you the options and give their recommendations.



Should I use a fluoride toothpaste?
Yes. Fluoride helps to strengthen and protect teeth, which can reduce tooth decay in adults and children.



How much toothpaste should I use?
You do not need to cover the head of your brush in toothpaste. A pea-sized amount is enough. Children should use a small scraping of toothpaste

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