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The best technique for brushing your teeth

The best technique for brushing your teeth
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According to a Scottish study, people who don’t take proper care of their teeth have 70% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than people who brush their teeth every day. But even if you are very conscientious about brushing your teeth, do you know the best technique for doing so? 

Why should we brush our teeth?

Brushing your teeth can eliminate dental plaque, a layer composed of bacteria, salivary proteins, sugars and acids that get stuck in our teeth after every meal. Saliva is important because it helps get rid of the food we have ingested, but it can also form deposits on the teeth, which is why it is recommended that you brush your teeth after every meal. If plaque is not regularly removed, it can thicken and transform into tartar, which can lead to cavities. 

The best technique for brushing your teeth

Here is the method recommended by dentists for effectively brushing your teeth: 

  • Brush your upper and lower teeth separately and without scrubbing too hard. 
  • Start with the upper teeth and finish with the lower teeth.
  • Tilt your brush at a 45° to your gums and brush from the gums in the direction of the teeth in order to avoid getting bacteria stuck under your gums.
  • Make sure to brush the fronts and the backs of your teeth. 

In order to be effective, brushing should last 3 minutes.

Use a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles to avoid damaging your gums. Change your toothbrush every two to three months to prevent a buildup of bacteria.

Remember that brushing your teeth is not a substitute for flossing, which prevents cavities from forming in the areas between the teeth. 

The advantages of an electric toothbrush

According to dentists, an electric toothbrush can more easily access hard-to-reach areas at the back of the mouth, such as the molars.

Certain dentists claim that an electric toothbrush can prevent you from damaging your gums as it stops you from using overly aggressive brush strokes. What’s more, certain studies have shown that electric toothbrushes remove more dental plaque than classic toothbrushes.

It is recommended that you have a dental check up once a year, as a preventative measure. Preventative dental treatments are generally very mild, in comparison with expensive treatments that need to be carried out after problems arise.

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