Established as a daily ritual since we were three apples tall, brushing your teeth is an essential gesture to maintain good oral hygiene. That, we are not going to teach you! However, according to statistics, in France we are still almost 85% who still don’t know how to brush their teeth properly… That’s why we thought it deserved a little reminder, right?
In this article, we give you an overview of all the good things you can do to (really) master the art of brushing your teeth.
1/ Choose a suitable toothbrush
Whether manual or electric, it is generally advisable to use a soft bristle brush to clean thoroughly without damaging the tooth enamel and gums. The soft bristles also remove plaque as they glide more easily into interdental spaces. I also prefer brushes. little heads that slip much better into the small corners of the mouth.
And when your toothbrush starts to get tired, don’t forget to replace it! In fact, over the months, the proliferation of bacteria and the accumulation of deposits at the base of the hair can turn it into a true nest of germs. Especially since the hairs tend to thin out and risk injuring the gums. This is why the ADA (French Dental Association) recommends changing toothbrushes every three months.
2/ Use the proper brushing technique
The quality of brushing is directly related to the technique used. To have beautiful white teeth, having a competition toothbrush is great, but you have to know how to use it! First, we won’t insult you by reminding you that a toothbrush worthy of the name should last at least 2 minutes and should be done twice a day, in the morning and at night.
Then remember that brushing is always done in a circular and vertical motion , from the gum to the tooth to loosen plaque and food debris. To brush the inside of your front teeth (incisors) more easily, hold the toothbrush upright. Insist on brushing the face of your back (chewing) teeth from back to front, because these are hard-to-reach corners where bacteria tend to pool more easily.
And finally, above all, be de-li-cat! Don’t brush like crazy, it damages the enamel of your teeth and weakens your gums…
3/ brush your tongue = false good idea
It is a reflex for many of us, when we brush our teeth, we also calmly brush our tongue, especially to freshen our breath. However, according to the French Dental Association, it is a mistake! In fact, the tongue is an organ teeming with «good bacteria» that play an essential role in maintaining good oral health. They help digestion and reduce the risk of colonization of our body by foreign bacteria. Brushing your tongue too hard can disturb the surface and upset the balance of good bacteria. Especially since the tongue is an organ that cleans itself thanks to swallowing.
However, if you notice a whitish deposit on your tongue, you can brush it off, but gently. This is explained by a decrease in salivation, especially in case of febrile episodes or when many medications are taken.
4/ Above all, do not skip the flossing step
We all have a box of dental floss lying in the bottom of a bathroom drawer. But how many of us can say that we use it every time we brush? We may have some doubts… In fact, if we look at the statistics, 11% of the French population uses dental floss. However, it is just as essential as your toothbrush! Its use is strongly recommended at least once a day after brushing to ensure the removal of dental plaque in areas where the toothbrush does not have access, that is, the interdental spaces.
You can brush your teeth for hours, but if you don’t floss afterwards, you’ll only be 50% clean! You may find this gesture a little off-putting at first, but you’ll quickly get used to it. To help you get started, know that there are explanatory tutorials on flossing on YouTube.
5/ And Calmos Ramos in mouthwashes!
Mouthwash is a product that should be used sparingly, only when necessary, for example in case of irritation, mouth ulcers, bad breath or in the postoperative period according to the formulas. In no case should it be used after each brushing. In addition to dental cleaning. In fact, prolonged use of a mouthwash has significant side effects on oral health, including peeling of the mucous membranes! So take it easy…
There you have it, now you have all the cards in hand to give yourself a Colgate smile… And don’t forget to see your dentist at least once a year, even if everything is going well in your mouth !
