Tooth brushing, tooth cleaning, dental hygiene, dental floss, toothbrushBacterial plaque is the cause of caries and diseases of the periodontium. The prophylaxis, i.e. prevention, of these diseases consists in removing these plaque. Besides dental floss, dental sticks and interdental brushes, toothbrushes and toothpaste are the main means of prevention. Since the plaque is very firmly attached to the tooth surface, a certain systematic approach is necessary. Various cleaning methods have been developed for this purpose.
What tooth brushing techniques are there?
A distinction is made between different tooth brushing techniques: Horizontal Method Charters – Method Rotation Method “Red to White Technique” according to Leonard Modified Bass – Technique Modified Stillmann – Technique Jackson- Technique KAI- Method (occlusal surfaces – outer surfaces – inner surfaces)
- Horizontal method
- Charters – Method
- Rotation method
- “Red-to-white technique” after Leonard
- Modified bass technique
- Modified Stillmann – technique
- Jackson- Technique
- KAI- method (occlusal surfaces – outer surfaces – inner surfaces)
The rotation method is particularly suitable for small children. In this method, the toothbrush is placed vertically with the teeth in a closed row and circular movements are carried out, whereby both the upper and lower teeth are grasped simultaneously. However, the plaque below the gums is not cleaned.
Of course it is also not possible to reach the inner surfaces of the teeth with this method when the row of teeth is closed. There are also other cleaning methods. These are, like the charter tooth cleaning method, relatively complicated and should therefore be shown and practiced in the dental office.
They are also only suitable for special cases. The red to white method of brushing teeth is the most common brushing technique. It is especially suitable for children and adolescents and adults where the risk of caries is the main concern.
With this method, the bristles of the toothbrush stand vertically on the gums and are moved towards the tooth with slightly circular movements. The advantage of this brushing technique is that it is easy to learn. The disadvantage is that the plaque below the gums is not reached.
The Bass method is mainly intended for patients who already have gum pockets, since this method also covers the depressions at the gumline. However, this brushing technique requires more time. With this method the toothbrush is placed on the tooth at an angle of 45° and the gum pockets are cleaned with shaking movements.
It is important to make sure that the gums are not injured. To achieve a thorough cleaning of the teeth, a systematic approach is necessary. Right-handers often start at the back of the left lower jaw up to the middle of the row of teeth and then on the right side.
In the upper jaw, they usually start at the back of the right jaw and then on the left side. First the outer surfaces are brushed and then the inner surfaces of the teeth. Finally, the occlusal surfaces are cleaned.
Left-handed people brush in the reverse order. It is important that everyone develops their own system with which they can best cope. No tooth and no surface should be neglected.
Even if the temptation is great to walk around while brushing your teeth, it is better to stand in front of the mirror and check whether you really reach every spot and at the appropriate angle. This self-control and concentration is important to maintain oral health in the long run. Unfortunately, the wrong brushing technique is used most often.
The toothbrush is guided along the teeth with horizontal movements. This so-called “scrubbing” has several disadvantages. The plaque is transported into the interdental space and not removed.
Plaque located below the gumline is not removed and wedge-shaped defects may occur in patients who already have exposed tooth necks. In the long run, plaster defects occur, which damage the tooth and make it more sensitive. Improper brushing of the teeth can also cause damage.
Too much contact pressure can lead to bone resorption and thus expose the necks of the teeth. The pressure with which the bristles are guided along the tooth should therefore not exceed 200 grams. “Scrubbing” especially with hard bristles, can lead to wedge-shaped defects.
Too hard bristles and too high pressure can lead to injuries of the gums. It is recommended to brush your teeth after every meal. This is not always possible, but you should always come at least twice a day.
In the morning teeth should be brushed after breakfast.Except when acidic food or drinks, such as orange juice, are part of breakfast. In this case, the uppermost layer of enamel could be attacked, which is then detached during cleaning. In these cases, you should therefore clean before breakfast.
After dinner, teeth should be brushed so that bacteria in the plaque cannot attack the enamel during the night. Depending on which brushing method is used, the duration of brushing varies. In the literature, a brushing time of 3 minutes is always given.
This is a very long time. Therefore, experience has shown that the average duration of brushing is only 1 minute or less. In any case, this is not sufficient to thoroughly clean every spot. Usually the cleaning time seems to be longer than it actually is, which is why you should look at a clock to make sure that oral hygiene is not too short. Even the use of an electric toothbrush does not reduce the necessary brushing time.
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