Oral care is highly important for your smile and overall health, but it’s equally important to ensure that you’re taking care of your oral health the right way. The first step in cleaning your teeth is to brush twice daily for at least two minutes. However, if you don’t brush properly, plaque and tartar can build up in your teeth, resulting in tooth decay and gum disease.
There are different techniques for brushing your teeth in Indian Trail, NC that you can utilize. Each brushing technique can help you remove debris, plaque, and tartar from your teeth when done accurately. However, these brushing techniques have advantages and disadvantages that must be understood.
In this guide, our Indian Trail dentist, Dr. Harish Patel, will explain the top techniques for brushing your teeth to help you effectively clean your teeth and determine if your teeth are clean.
Why Your Brushing Technique Is Important
The primary means of preventing dental diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and dental caries is by effectively removing plaque. For this to work, brushing your teeth, flossing, and washing your mouth with mouth rinses is necessary. Brushing your teeth is an important part of oral hygiene maintenance that must be done properly for it to work effectively.
Every individual must be aware of the proper brushing techniques to use to improve their oral hygiene and remove plaque. In addition, the correct technique for brushing your teeth in Indian Trail can help massage the gingival tissue, clean the tongue, and ultimately prevent plaque formation on the teeth.
The Top 3 Types of Brushing Techniques
There are three popular brushing techniques you can try to ensure you’re cleaning your teeth effectively. They include the following:
Sulcular or Bass Brushing Technique
The Bass brushing technique is the most recommended technique for removing plaque from under your gum line before it can cause gingivitis. Using the Bass brushing technique involves tilting your toothbrush to an angle of 45 degrees so the bristles are slightly under the gums. The brush is then moved in firm but gentle circular motions 15-20 times before moving to the next area of the teeth.
You must brush the outer surface and the backsides of the teeth with the same motion. For example, hold your toothbrush vertically behind the front teeth and move up and down, using the bristles. In addition, brush the chewing surface of the molars and brush your tongue.
Advantages of the Bass Brushing Technique
- The short back-and-forth motion of this technique is easy to master.
- The modified Bass technique is most effective for reducing plaque and providing good stimulation for gingival tissues.
- The method focuses the cleaning action on the interproximal and cervical portions of the teeth.
Disadvantages of the Bass Brushing Technique
- You can cause injury to the gums if you press too firmly while brushing.
- It requires a lot of patience as individuals must brush in many places to cover the dentition entirely.
Stillman Brushing Technique
The Stillman brushing technique is similar to the Bass technique, but instead of making circular motions, you use short back-and-forth horizontal strokes. The Stillman brushing technique in Indian Trail is excellent for massaging and stimulating gingival tissue at the same 45-degree angle to the teeth but is less effective at removing plaque below the gumline.
Advantages of the Stillman Brushing Technique
- The technique makes more effort to massage and stimulate the gum tissue simultaneously.
- The method removes plaque and debris from the cervical margins of the teeth.
Disadvantages of the Stillman Brushing Technique
- It’s not effective for removing plaque from the gumline.
- It can cause injury to the gums if gentle motion is not used.
Charter Brushing Technique
Dentists recommend the Charter brushing technique for patients with spaces between their teeth and those who have had periodontal surgery, gum recession, or exposed roots. Your dentist may also recommend the Charter brushing technique if you wear an orthodontic appliance such as braces or fixed partial dentures.
The Charter technique requires you to hold your brush at an angle of 45 degrees toward the side of the teeth and not the gum line, as done for the Bass and Stillman techniques. Gently press the bristles against tooth surfaces using short, circular, or small back-and-forth motions 15 to 20 times. Ensure you brush all your teeth in the same pattern.
Advantages of the Charter Brushing Technique
- The technique is specifically used for patients with orthodontic appliances or fixed prosthodontics.
- The technique massages wounds and promotes healing after periodontal surgery.
Disadvantages of the Charter Brushing Technique
- The technique can be difficult due to the angle at which the toothbrush has to be held.
- It’s less effective at removing subgingival plaque than the previous two techniques.
How To Tell if Your Teeth are Clean Enough
Bushing for two minutes doesn’t mean your teeth are clean, especially if you’re not brushing correctly. To determine if your teeth are clean enough, all surfaces should be debris-free.
Next time you brush, remember to move your brush back and forth against the teeth and gums using short strokes. Also, clean between your teeth and reach behind your front teeth and molars. You can also visit your dentist who will tell you if you’re not brushing or flossing enough.
Learn the Most Suitable Technique for Brushing Your Teeth in Indian Trail
Many people suffer from plaque-related diseases, including those who clean their teeth regularly. The problem often lies with the brushing technique used. Proper brushing can help you achieve the perfect oral cleaning and care technique.
At Nexus Dental Associates, our dentists will recommend the best brushing techniques for your teeth in Indian Trail, NC, and guide you in enhancing your brushing skills. We will teach you the best techniques for your specific conditions while perfectly removing plaque and massaging your gums. Book an appointment today to learn about the most suitable technique for you.
