Smile! How to Correctly Brush Your Teeth 2015/04/02

Brushing your teeth should be a daily act and almost automatic for the young and old.

From an early age, when:

- The first teeth haven’t come out yet, it is a good practice to rub the gums after every meal with a sterile gauze soaked in saline.

- When the teeth are more evident, it is time to use the toothbrush with the soft bristles and small handles. Brushing just with water can start to make this new ‘game’

- When the babies can do it by themselves and always under supervision to avoid them inserting the brush towards the back of the mouth.

BUT HOW ARE TEETH BRUSHED?

The ABC of dental hygiene says that teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, after the main meals during a minimum of two minutes

The upper arch should be cleaned with regular up to down movements, while the lower arch, down to up.

For the internal part of the teeth, a movement is made that goes from inside to the outside of the mouth.

It starts from the incisors (front teeth) moving towards the molars (at the back of the mouth), up and down, right side and left side. However the chewing part of the teeth must be cleaned moving he brush front to back.

Brush firmly but not to strongly to not irritate the gums.

The tongue must be cleaned! Some toothbrushes in the market are equipped with special tongue cleaners (yes, they are called that!) placed below the bristles. The movements to clean the tongue should be circular.

According to some experts, the use of electric toothbrushes helps the cleaning thanks to the oscillations and movements it produces. Obviously they exist for our children designed for their teeth with a handle to fit their size. Ask advice from your pediatrician or pharmacist.

TOOTHPASTE YES… TOOTHPASTE NO…

If your child swallows fluoride, it is best to ask advice from your pediatrician.

The quantity of toothpaste should not be abundant, this way reducing the risk by ingestion.

TO REMEMBER… including the adults…

An important factor is that the simple act of brushing your teeth does not guarantee a perfect oral hygiene: floss and mouth wash used regularly can help, just like periodical check ups with your dentist.

Toothbrushes must be replaced every 3 months or when the bristles are curled and worn out.

And now… Smile!