Tooth Brushing Techniques

Many patients are frustrated and often say that they brush their teeth 2-3 times a day, but they still have bleeding gums, cavities, and bad breath or gum disease. They want to know whether they brush their teeth enough or brush properly.

What is the proper tooth brushing technique?

Proper tooth brushing is important for cleaning the teeth and gums.  Here are the recommended steps:

·       Place bristles along the gum line at a 45-degree angle.  Bristles should contact both the tooth surface and the gum line.

·       Gently brush the outer tooth surfaces of 2-3 teeth using a vibrating back & forth rolling motion; the brush makes contact with the gum line and is moved downward toward the chewing surface.  Move brush to the next group of 2-3 teeth and repeat.

·       Maintain a 45-degree angle with bristles contacting the tooth surface and gum line.  Gently brush using back & forth rolling motion along all the inner tooth surfaces.

·       To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and –down strokes

·       Gently brush the tongue from back to front to remove odor producing bacteria

 How long is the proper tooth brushing take?

·                                     Proper brushing takes at least 2 minutes.

       What type of toothbrushes should be used?

·                                    Soft-bristled toothbrushes

·       

       Small-headed brushes are recommended because they can better reach all areas of the mouth, including back teeth.

·       

        Powered toothbrushes are good alternatives for people with limited manual dexterity.  Talk to your Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, about your dental needs and be advised on the type of toothbrushes that is right for you.

What type of the toothpaste?

·       Fluoridated toothpaste

·       There are toothpastes designed for many conditions: cavities, gingivitis, tartar control, stain control, and sensitivity (cold/sweets). 

·       Talk to your Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, about your dental needs and be advised on the type of toothpaste that is right for you.

How often should toothbrushes be replaced?

·       When the toothbrush bristles flare out or show wear.

·       

      Every 3 months

·       Replace the toothbrush after you have had a cold.  The toothbrush bristles can collect bacteria and may lead to periodontal infections.

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  If you have any questions about the proper tooth brushing techniques and any concerns about your dental care, please visit us at                   www.annaleedds.com or call for a FREE consultation at 626-335-5114.

Prevent Dental Decay

The excitement of school is back and your children may be consuming a variety of foods during breakfast and with school lunches. While it can be difficult to regulate the food they are consuming during the day, here are 2 habits you can help them with to prevent dental decay.

1.     Brushing & Flossing routine

·       brush with fluoridated toothpaste 2x/day for 2 minutes

·       floss daily

·       positive reinforcement with a brushing/flossing chart and stickers to enforce healthy habits

·       make brushing and flossing fun; brushing to a song, do a counting game

·       parents need to be a good example; parents brush and floss and children want to follow and do the same

·       “Tell, show, do” is a great method for explaining and showing the need for healthy oral care habits

2.     Regular dental visits

·       regular dental checkups can prevent dental disease and tooth decay

·       usually every 6 months for checkups; teeth cleaning, x-rays as needed

·       sealant treatment as needed

·       fluoride treatment as needed

·       visit and talk to your dentist and find out what is the best daily dental care regimen for your child

 

If you have any questions about your children’s oral health care, please contact Dr. Anna Lee at                   626-335-5114 or email at drannalee1@gmail.com                        

Caring For Primary Teeth:

Helping your child care for their primary teeth can be difficult. They may fight to brush their teeth or be afraid when they visit the dentist, or even refuse to floss. But dental health is critical in children. Here are 4 tips Dr. Anna Lee recommends, to help your child take care of their primary teeth.

·      Children younger than 3 years old, should use only a “smear” of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) on the bristles of toothbrush; brush 2x daily

·      Children of 3-6 years old, use pea-size amount of toothpaste; brush 2x daily

·      Children should spit out any excess toothpaste to avoid swallowing it

·      Floss daily

For more information on how to help your child or other dental tips, contact Dr. Lee & her staff today.

Guide to dental care products: Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Floss & Mouth Rinses

With so many dental care products on the market today, patients often ask which toothpaste, toothbrush, floss or mouth rinse is best or right for them. The recommendation is to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Dr. Anna Lee says, "it means that the dental product has been objectively evaluated for safety and effectiveness by an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs."