Teeth Brushing: The Keys to Optimal Oral Hygiene

Brushing your teeth is an essential daily routine to prevent cavities and maintain the health of your mouth. However, many people may not be brushing their teeth optimally!

What are the latest recommendations for brushing frequency, duration, and technique? Should you use an electric toothbrush? Can you go without toothpaste? We'll tell you everything in this article.

At What Age Should You Start Brushing a Baby's Teeth?

Good oral hygiene should start at a very young age, as soon as the first teeth appear. Here are some key milestones based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Dental Association (ADA):

0-6 months: After feedings, gently wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth or gauze.
First tooth eruption: Start brushing with a soft-bristled, infant-sized toothbrush. Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
Age 3: You can increase the amount of fluoride toothpaste to a pea-sized amount. Continue to supervise and assist your child.
Around age 6-8: Your child can start brushing their teeth independently, but supervision is still recommended to ensure they are doing it correctly for two minutes, twice a day.

What Is the Ideal Brushing Frequency?

Contrary to old beliefs, it's not always necessary to brush your teeth after every meal. The current recommendations from the ADA are for twice-daily brushing:

In the morning to remove plaque that has accumulated overnight.
At night before bed (the most important) to ensure a clean mouth during sleep.

Brushing at midday, once commonly advised, is no longer considered essential. Dental plaque takes about 12 hours to form, making a thorough morning and evening routine sufficient.

How Long Should an Effective Brushing Session Last?

Another evolution in recommendations is the brushing duration. Forget the old three-minute rule; the new standard is a meticulous two-minute brushing session.

To help you meet this duration, don't hesitate to use a timer (on your smartphone, for example) or invest in an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer. Kids will also appreciate smart models that guide them in a fun way!

What Are the Right Gestures and Technique for Brushing?

For optimal teeth brushing, follow these 4 key steps:

Brush the upper and lower jaws separately.
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
Gently move the brush back and forth in short, tooth-wide strokes.
Be systematic: brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of all teeth.

Also, consider cleaning your tongue with the brush or a tongue scraper to remove bacteria that cause bad breath. In addition, use dental floss at least once a day to remove plaque from between your teeth.

Manual or Electric Toothbrush: Which One to Choose?

While a manual toothbrush, when used correctly, allows for perfectly adequate brushing, an electric toothbrush has many advantages. Praised by dentists, it can be significantly more effective at removing plaque, thanks to:

Its high-frequency rotating or vibrating movements that perfectly clean teeth and gums.
Its small head that easily reaches all areas, even the most remote ones.
Its pressure sensors that stop the brush if you press too hard.
Its timer that ensures a sufficient brushing time.
Its fun aspect that encourages children to brush their teeth.

The only downside is its higher cost compared to a conventional brush. But this investment is quickly offset by the reduction in dental care needs!

Is Toothpaste Really Necessary?

Yes, toothpaste is the indispensable complement to a toothbrush for complete oral hygiene. Thanks to its cleaning, polishing, and therapeutic agents, it helps to:

Remove plaque and food residue.
Prevent the development of cavities, tooth sensitivity, tartar, etc.
Provide fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel.
Freshen breath with minty or other flavors.

Choose a toothpaste that is adapted to your specific needs (sensitive teeth, fragile gums, etc.) and that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Children should use a kids' toothpaste with the appropriate fluoride concentration to avoid any risk if swallowed.

When Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

A toothbrush (or a brush head for an electric model) should be replaced approximately every 3 months. But certain signs should alert you to change it sooner:

The bristles are frayed, flattened, or pointing in all directions.
Bristles are breaking off.
Discoloration or buildup appears at the base of the bristles.

Also, consider replacing your brush after an illness (like a cold or strep throat) to avoid the risk of reinfection.

Conclusion

Effective teeth brushing means two minutes, twice a day, with a suitable toothbrush (preferably electric) and a toothpaste with specific properties for your needs.

By complementing this with daily flossing and regular visits to the dentist, you give yourself the best chance to keep your teeth healthy and your smile radiant for as long as possible. So, get brushing!

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to brush your teeth?

It is recommended to brush your teeth in the morning after breakfast and at night before bed. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to brush immediately after meals, as this could damage the enamel if you've consumed acidic foods. It's best to wait at least 30 minutes.

How do you brush your teeth well in 2 minutes?

For optimal brushing in a minimum amount of time, use the 45-degree angle technique with short, gentle, back-and-forth strokes. Methodically brush the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of each tooth, without forgetting the gumline. Don't press too hard, as this can irritate your gums.

Should you rinse your mouth after brushing?

This is a debated topic. Some dentists advise simply spitting out the excess toothpaste without rinsing to keep a higher concentration of fluoride on the teeth. If the residue bothers you, you can do a quick rinse but avoid doing it for too long or with too much water.

Can you brush your teeth too often?

Yes, brushing too frequently (more than 3 times a day) or with a brush that is too hard can lead to enamel erosion and gum abrasion. This is known as "toothbrush abrasion." In the long term, this can cause pain, sensitivity, and gum recession. If in doubt, ask your dentist for advice.