Brushing

Whether you use a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, proper tooth brushing involves these things:

The proper tools

A soft toothbrush: A soft brush is kinder to your teeth and gums, and also makes it much easier to remove the plaque below the gumline, where periodontal disease starts.
Toothpaste with fluoride: Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride hardens the outer enamel layer of the teeth. It might stop a cavity in its tracks and will give you more resistance to future cavities.

The right technique

The correct angle of brushing: Angle the bristles of the brush along the gumline at a 45-degree angle and apply gentle pressure so the bristles slide under the gumline. Vibrate the brush while you move it in short back-and-forth strokes and in small circular motions. Brush two or three teeth at a time, and then move to the next teeth, allowing some overlap. To brush the backs of the front teeth, tilt the brush and use the tip of the brush.
Brushing in a pattern: It's fine to brush in any regular pattern you choose, but since the insides of the teeth tend to get less attention, you might start with the insides of the upper teeth, then go to the insides of the lower teeth. Next, switch to the outsides of the upper teeth, and then the outsides of the lower teeth. Brush the chewing surfaces of the upper teeth, then the lower teeth, and end by gently brushing your tongue and the roof of your mouth. This removes bacteria and keeps your breath fresh.

Good timing

Brushing after breakfast and before bed: The timing of your brushing is important, too. Brushing after breakfast cleans away the morning's food debris, and prevents the bacteria that naturally live in your mouth from leaving behind the destructive acid they produce when they digest that food. And brushing your teeth before bedtime protects your teeth all night. Using these brushing techniques, your teeth and gums will stay fresh and healthy.

Stained plaque before brushing

Remaining plaque after brushing

Check backs of teeth

Disclosing Tablets

Disclosing tablets are made up of a harmless vegetable dye that stains plaque red, making plaque easier to find.

Why should I use disclosing tablets?

Disclosing tablets can work to prevent cavities and periodontal disease by helping you see the plaque on your teeth. The main cause of cavities and periodontal disease is the accumulation of plaque, which is the sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth.

You must remove all of the plaque each day, or it builds up and mineralizes to become tartar, which is also called calculus. It takes professional help to remove tartar. There's no way for you to remove it at home. A toothbrush or floss won't even budge it. That's why it's important that you find and remove all the plaque. It's normally hard to see plaque, but the dye in disclosing tablets makes it much easier. This will help you remove the plaque before it hardens to become tartar, and before it can cause cavities and periodontal disease.

How to use disclosing tablets

To use disclosing tablets, first brush and floss. Then simply chew a disclosing tablet, swish it around your mouth, and rinse with water.

Using a small dental mirror, check your teeth for any signs of red, especially near the gumline. Brush and floss these missed areas again until the red is gone, and you can be confident that your teeth are plaque-free.

Many brands are available

Brush twice a day

Let the toothbrush do the work

Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes have become more and more popular for a variety of reasons:

They do a good job of removing plaque and stains.
They can be easier to manage than a manual toothbrush.
They are fun to use.

No matter why you've chosen an electric toothbrush, it's important to use it correctly.

How to brush with an electric toothbrush

Make sure the brush head has soft bristles, and apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Put the toothbrush in your mouth, and close your lips slightly to prevent spattering. Hold your jaw in a relaxed, open position so you can easily reach all tooth surfaces.

Angle the brush against a tooth at about a 90-degree angle, then turn the toothbrush on, holding it gently against the tooth and gum for a few seconds. Don't press hard - let the toothbrush do the work. Then move to the next tooth.

Brush all of your teeth in any regular pattern you like. However, since inside teeth often get less attention, you might try starting with the inside upper teeth, and then the inside lower teeth. Move to the chewing surface and outside of the lower teeth. Lastly, brush the chewing surface and outside of the upper teeth.

Your brushing routine should last about 2 minutes. If your electric toothbrush has a timer, use it to help ensure that your brushing is thorough and complete.

Make sure you brush twice a day, and don't forget to floss.

Brighter then White