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Choose a medium or soft-medium variety of toothbrush bristles. The brush should have a straight handle, or may be forward-angled. A small head is always better, enabling you to reach even the farthest corners of your mouth. Replace your toothbrush as soon as the bristles begin to open-out, usually in 6 to 8 weeks if the brush is used correctly.
The paste should not be applied onto the brush bristles as usually shown in TV ads, but inserted into the bristles by holding the tube vertically against the bristles. The amount of paste required to brush is very minimal, usually described as pea-sized.
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Brushing is always done with both hands. One hand is used to retract the cheek, so that your brush will reach all corners of your mouth. Stand in front of a mirror with a good light while brushing. |
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The biting surfaces of your teeth are simply scrubbed with your brush, using a forward and backward motion. Nothing new to explain here. |
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It is on the outer and inner surfaces of the teeth where plaque tends to accumulate. The brush is positioned between the cheek and the posterior-most tooth. The size of the brush-head will ensure that 2 or 3 teeth are included in each brushing motion. |
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The bristles are then squeezed against the tooth surfaces while turning the wrists, so that the bristles go in-between the teeth and into the gum margins. Repeat this movement 5 times. |
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Now move the brush forward to include another set of teeth and repeat the above steps. |
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Next brush the front teeth, using the same steps as explained above. |
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This picture shows how the bristles have been squeezed against the teeth and gums, while the movement of the wrist turns the brush head. |
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The inner surfaces of the front teeth are brushed next, using the same movement. |
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The inner surfaces of the back teeth are now brushed. Remember to use 5 strokes per area to ensure that all the plaque and food particles are removed. |
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The upper front teeth are approached now. This picture shows the bristles entering in-between the teeth and into the gum margins. |
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The inner surfaces of the upper front teeth. The same movements are used for the upper back teeth, the direction of motion being opposite to the lower back teeth. |
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The inner surfaces of the upper back teeth. The brush is positioned on the palate and the wrist turned while squeezing the bristles against the tooth surface. |
The surface of the tongue also needs to be cleaned with a brush, to remove accumulated debris.
The brushing method explained above is one of the many techniques available. You may need to modify this technique or use an altogether different technique, depending on the alignment of your teeth and other conditions in your mouth. Do not use excessive force or a hard brush, as this may injure your gums. Your dentist will advise you on the correct method of brushing, tailored to suit your needs.
Brush after every meal or snack. This will ensure that plaque does not get a foot-hold onto your tooth surfaces and will not have an opportunity to convert into tartar. As an old saying goes Be true to your teeth, or they will be false to you !
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