It makes sense that you brush your teeth twice a day to maintain good teeth and get a fresh taste in your mouth. Yet not every person brushes his teeth regularly. Research shows that lots of people take care of their teeth poorly. According to this study, only 24.2% of all people clean their teeth twice a day.
So what´s the best way to clean your teeth? We’re going to help you step by step.
Brush routine for healthy teeth
It is important to remove plaque and to fight bacteria that cause mouth disease. You probably have a fixed brushing routine that you or your parents have taught you. To get the best hygiene for the mouth there are a number of things you need to know.
Brush your teeth well for four minutes a day
It is not a difficult calculation for most, brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes is four minutes a day. In contrast, a recent study shows that many people clean their teeth for only 45 seconds a day. A common complaint from dentists is that people are doing many other things during their brushing routine. Clean up the kitchen counter, go to the toilet, watch TV, watch your mobile and so on. Because of this we tend to skip places of the teeth. It is important to keep your attention.
A fixed order of brushing teeth
It is best to use a fixed order to brush your teeth. For example, first choose the lower jaw and work slowly and calmly from left to right. Brush the outside, top and inside before moving to the center. Also don’t forget the back of your front teeth and then go to the upper jaw. If you have followed this fixed order, there is fortunately enough time to pay extra attention to chewing spots and edges where spots are formed quickly.
The movement of brushing your teeth well
If you often see children brushing their teeth, they often make large, long movements. Unfortunately we teach ourselves that this is the best way to clean your teeth to remove plaque. Many people think that faster and harder is better. This unfortunately gives you a kind of “shed” effect. The teeth are sanded and you can damage gums. You can clean your teeth much better with a gentle movement. With the brushing routine it is especially important to think about the transition from the gums to the tooth. This is the place where plaque is the most stubborn and you remove this by making short, gentle movements with the toothbrush. If you have trouble with this method of cleaning your teeth, it is wise to switch to an electric toothbrush. Preferably an electric toothbrush that already makes the movement for you. Consider, for example, the sonic electric toothbrush.
The moment of brushing your teeth
It is very important to have a fixed time of day when brushing your teeth. The most important moment to brush your teeth is before going to sleep. During the night there is less to no natural cleansing through saliva and tongue. That certainly applies if you sleep with your mouth open. This is an important moment not only before going to sleep, but also when you get up you have to clean your teeth well. In the morning we usually do not smell so fresh from the mouth. In addition, during the day the mouth will be attacked by sugars and acids. For example, if you eat something sour, it is wise to wait a while before brushing. Wait at least half an hour after brushing for eating / drinking acid. This way you prevent a protective layer from being removed from the teeth. You also prevent tooth sensitivity from whitening.
The best way to brush your teeth
As mentioned earlier, most people brush their teeth according to the “scrub method”. Harder and faster is better. This method is unhealthy and often harmful to your teeth and gums. In contrast, the “bass method” is a healthy way to clean your teeth. This way, you can also remove brown spots from your teeth. In another article you’ll find if you have to brush with or without water.
The bass method
One of the most commonly used methods to remove plaque with a manual toothbrush is the bass method.
- Tilt the toothbrush (45 degrees) against the gums and the tooth and carefully make subtle reciprocating movements
- Brush every quadrant of your teeth in this way
- Do this on the inside and outside of your teeth
- Then carefully clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth (at the top)
- Clean your front teeth on the inside by holding the toothbrush vertically and moving it up and down.
We understand that you have difficulty with this way of cleaning your teeth. Fortunately there is a solution.
Brush with an electric toothbrush
If you have trouble with this method of brushing your teeth, it is best to buy an electric toothbrush. In addition, recent research shows that an electric toothbrush is much better than a manual toothbrush. The electric toothbrush already makes this movement for you. The only thing you need to focus on is the angle in which you hold the toothbrush. A good electric toothbrush with a perfect fit also helps you with this. In addition, there is a handy, built-in timer in a good electric toothbrush. That way you know exactly when to stop. A good electric toothbrush wil also help you to get rid of bad breath. And last but not least: a good electric toothbrush will even help you solve a question: How long do your teeth stay white after teeth whitening?
Looking for more ways to make your teeth whiter? In another blog we give you the latest white teeth tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, many teeth are brushed in the Netherlands according to the “scrub” method: hard scrubbing with the toothbrush. A better method is the “bass” method: place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and gently brush. If you find this difficult, you can consider an electric toothbrush.
It is best to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. The simple calculation, two times two minutes, tells us that we have to brush your teeth four minutes a day.
It is best to choose a fixed time of the day to brush your teeth. Experts agree that it is best to brush your teeth in the morning and in the evening. In the evening you cannot let the best bacteria go undisturbed. Therefore, always brush your teeth in the evening so that your mouth is clean before you go to sleep.
It is best to wait half an hour after brushing your teeth after eating something sour. This way you can repair tooth enamel and apply a protective layer for brushing your teeth. In addition, it is also important not to brush too hard and with good brushes. If the hairs stand apart you have to replace them.
