While most of us make sure to go for regular health checkups, it is usually exclusive of dental health check. In fact, there are hardly many people who take proper care while brushing their teeth, forget about undertaking any special efforts to maintain their oral health. However, your oral health plays a very important role in maintaining the overall fitness. And oral care begins with proper and regular brushing. While most of us undertake this procedure first thing in the morning, very few follow the correct procedure for the same. In order to help you know how to brush your teeth properly, we have provide step-by-step instructions in the lines below.
Brushing Your Teeth Properly
Supplies Needed
- 1 Extra Soft Or Soft Bristled Manual Toothbrush.
- Toothpaste, of your choice (preferably one containing fluoride)
- Water or Mouth Rinse
Instructions
- As the first step in brushing your teeth, you need to moisten your toothbrush slightly and apply a thin layer of toothpaste on the same.
- Now, start brushing from the upper left molars (back teeth). Make sure to concentrate the brush the front surface of the tooth.
- You will have to work in a clockwise direction, with the brush covering not more than 2 to 3 teeth at a time.
- Hold the toothbrush in such a position that it is parallel to your teeth, while the bristles are pointing in the direction of the tissue. Remember, the bristles should be resting slightly below the gumline.
- In the next step, apply slight pressure on the bristles of the toothbrush, making them bend slightly.
- Start moving the brush in a circular motion and continue doing so for approximately 20 brush strokes, around 10 seconds.
- After the 20 strokes are over, you need to roll the bristles away from the gum tissue, in a sweeping motion.
- Repeat the whole procedure once again, till you feel that all of the front surfaces of the top and bottom teeth have been cleaned.
- Now, you have to move the toothbrush to the inside surfaces of the teeth and repeat the steps for the upper and lower premolars and molars.
- Coming down to the front teeth, clean the inner surfaces first, known as the lingual surface.
- For cleaning the lingual surface, take the tip of the toothbrush, and in a flipping motion, direct the toothbrush down from the gumline. Repeat 2 to 3 times.
- Follow the above procedure for the inside of the lower front teeth as well, the only difference being that here, the flip will be directed up, away from the gumline. Repeat 2 to 3 times.
- Finally, you will have to clean the biting surface of the upper and lower premolars and molars, followed by the tongue and the inside of your cheeks.
- The brushing procedure is complete. Now, all you have to do is rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
Some Tips
- Brush your teeth at least two times in a day, just after getting up in the morning and right before going to bed at night.
- You should replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months, as soon as you see the bristles starting to bend and looking worn out.