Brushing Your Teeth: 3 Rules to Follow

We brush our teeth every day, so much so that it sometimes becomes automatic. However, it’s important to stay attentive when it comes to brushing your teeth by choosing the right tools and using proper brushing techniques. To guide you, the dentists at Plateau Mont-Royal wanted to share 3 rules to follow when it comes to brushing your teeth!

Rule 1: Use a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste

There are many types of toothbrushes available on the market, which can make choosing one difficult. Generally speaking, we recommend the following: your toothbrush should absolutely have soft or extra-soft bristles. Otherwise, bristles that are too stiff could negatively affect your smile in the long term, contributing to enamel erosion and gum recession. Aside from this important point, the choice of toothbrush can be based on your personal preferences. Just make sure its size is appropriate for your mouth so brushing is comfortable and effective.

As for toothpaste, here’s the main rule to follow: it must contain fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral naturally found in the environment. It binds to the surface of teeth and contributes to enamel remineralization. Using fluoride toothpaste helps protect teeth from the acidic attacks of bacteria that cause cavities.

Rule 2: Use the right technique

Once you have your soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, it’s time to brush. But be careful! Make sure to use the correct brushing technique. Here’s what to do:

• Place the toothbrush so the tips of the bristles sit at the base of the teeth, just under the gumline
• Brush using a circular motion, moving from top to bottom, using light pressure
• Pay special attention to the outer and inner surfaces of each tooth
• Brush the chewing surfaces as well

Avoid brushing with a horizontal back-and-forth motion. Why? Because it is too aggressive and can damage the gums over time and cause them to recede. The recommended circular motion protects gum health while effectively removing plaque from the surface of the teeth.

Rule 3: Combine brushing with flossing

It is recommended to brush your teeth, using proper technique, after meals and before going to bed. It’s best to wait about 30 minutes after eating to allow saliva to neutralize the acids in the mouth, which are elevated after meals.

Never skip your evening brushing session. At night, bacteria multiply more easily because the salivary glands produce less saliva, which naturally has antibacterial properties. Before brushing at night, don’t forget to floss. Flossing cleans the spaces between teeth, which represent one-third of their total surface area. For a healthy smile, flossing is essential.

For personalized advice on your oral hygiene habits, speak with your hygienist at your next appointment. They will be happy to help you adopt better habits!