We all brush our teeth every day, but have you ever wondered why you still face problems like cavities, bad breath, or get told by your dentist about tartar buildup? The answer might lie in your brushing technique. Berry Dent is here to help you learn the brushing technique that helps remove plaque—the root cause of cavities and bad breath—along with tips on choosing a toothbrush and using dental floss for the best oral health.
Understanding “Plaque”: The Enemy of Oral Health
Before we get to the correct brushing method, let’s get to know the villain of oral health. Plaque, also known as microbial film, is a sticky, clear film made of bacteria and sugar that constantly forms on our teeth. If not completely removed, it becomes food for bacteria, which then produce acid that destroys the tooth surface, leading to “cavities.” Worse yet, if plaque is left to accumulate for a long time, it hardens into “tartar,” which is the cause of gingivitis and bad breath.
The Correct Way to Brush Your Teeth
Forget about aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing. The technique recommended by dentists is the “Modified Bass Technique,” which focuses on effectively removing plaque from the gumline.
- Choosing the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste:
First, you need the right tools. It’s recommended to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush with rounded ends and a head size that fits your mouth. As for toothpaste, you should choose a formula with fluoride to help prevent cavities.
- Proper Grip and Angle:
Place the bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gumline (where the gums and teeth meet), with some bristles going slightly into the gum sulcus.
- Brushing the Outer Surfaces:
Gently move the brush in short, horizontal strokes, about 4-5 times, then use your wrist to “flick” the bristles away from the gumline. Do this for 2-3 teeth at a time, then move on until you’ve covered all teeth.
- Brushing the Inner Surfaces:
Do the same as for the outer surfaces. For the inner surfaces of the front teeth, place the brush vertically and use the tip of the brush to move up and down gently.
- Brushing the Chewing Surfaces:
Place the brush perpendicular to the chewing surfaces and scrub back and forth along the teeth to clean the grooves.
- Don’t Forget to Brush Your Tongue:
Gently brush your tongue from the back to the front to remove bacteria that cause bad breath. This is a part of the correct brushing method that many people often overlook.
How Long and How Often Should You Brush?
The answer is you should spend at least 2 minutes brushing and do it at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed, to ensure that plaque is thoroughly removed.
Is Flossing Necessary?
Very necessary! Brushing alone cannot clean between the teeth, which is a prime spot for plaque to accumulate. Flossing at least once a day will significantly reduce the risk of cavities between the teeth and gum disease.
Good oral health is not just about brushing, but about using the correct brushing method consistently. When you apply the Modified Bass Technique along with flossing, you will surely see a significant reduction in plaque, cavities, and bad breath.
And when you have the correct brushing method, choosing the right toothpaste is just as important. We recommend Berry Dent, a hybrid herbal toothpaste designed for comprehensive oral care. By blending the power of science and nature, it contains 1500 ppm fluoride to provide a full shield against cavities, along with the benefits of 5 berry extracts and natural herbs that help reduce the buildup of bacteria, the root cause of plaque and bad breath. This makes your daily brushing a truly complete oral care routine.