What is the best technuque for brushing?
There are a number of effective brushing techniques. Patients are advised t check with Dr. Chang or one of his
team members to determine which technique is best for them, since, tooth position and gum condition vary. One effective,
easy-to-remember technique involves using a circular or elliptical motion to brush a couple of teeth at a time, gradually
covering the entire mouth.
Place a toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45- degree angle and gently brush teeth in an ellliptical motion. Brush
the outside of the teeth, inside the teeth, your tounge and the chewing surfaces and in between the teeth. Using
a back and forth motion causes the gum surface to recede, or can expose the root surface or make the root surface tender.
You also risk wearing down the gum line.
Soft or hard bristles?
In general, a toothbrush head should be small(1" by 1/2") for easy access. It should have a long wide handle for
a firm grasp. It should have soft, nylon bristles with round ends. Some brushes are too abrasive and can wear
down teeth. a soft, rounded, multi-tufted brush can clean teeth effectively. Press just firmly enough to reach the spaces
between the teeth as well as the surface. Medium and hard bristles are not recommended.
How long should I brush?
We recommend brushing for 3-4 minutes, the length of an average song. Using an egg timer is another way to measure
your brusing time. Patients generally think they're brusing longer, but most spend less than a minute brusing.
