Correctly brushing your teeth: 7 tips for it

Photo: Colourbox.de / Sonjachnyj

When it comes to properly brushing your teeth, there are many common misconceptions. Would you like to know whether you can brush your teeth properly or optimize something? Our seven tips will help you.

In kindergarten or elementary school, you must have had a dentist visit at least once. Perhaps they showed the best way to brush your teeth on a large set of teeth. Because correct tooth brushing is important: You can prevent tooth decay and gum disease, among other things.

Often later when we brush our teeth we forget certain details or remember them incorrectly. Our seven tips will refresh your memory and show you again how to properly brush your teeth.

If you have drunk orange juice, you shouldn't brush your teeth immediately afterwards because of the fruit acid.
If you have drunk orange juice, you shouldn’t brush your teeth immediately afterwards because of the fruit acid.
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / Pexels)

1. Brush your teeth for three minutes twice a day.

The dentist Professor Stefan Zimmer recommends brushing your teeth properly for about three minutes at least twice a day: namely after breakfast and before you go to bed.

However, if you have eaten acidic fruit or fruit juices, you should wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth, like this Netdoctor. Otherwise, the acid can remove calcium from your tooth enamel when you brush and attack the protective layer on your teeth.

2. Remember the KAI rule when brushing your teeth.

You can use a plan to properly brush your teeth. The KAI rule helps you to think of all the important points: The Ksurface that A.exterior surfaces and the I.interior surfaces.

If you want to check whether you are brushing all your teeth correctly with your toothbrushing method, you can buy coloring tablets from the pharmacy. The tablets stain any remaining plaque, which you can then remove from the appropriate places.

When brushing your teeth properly, look for a toothpaste with fluoride.
When brushing your teeth properly, look for a toothpaste with fluoride.
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / Bru-nO)

3. Use toothpaste with fluoride.

It is in almost all toothpastes fluoride contain. When shopping, however, make sure that it is listed under the ingredients. Is fluoride important for proper tooth brushing, because it forms a protective layer around the tooth and protects it from tooth decay. Fluoride also neutralizes the acid that we ingest with food and which can cause tooth decay.

Note: Fluoride ingested in large amounts is unhealthy and can lead to side effects. That is why children should use a special children’s toothpaste that has a lower fluoride content.

4. The cleaning technique: bass instead of circles.

Children used to learn to brush the inside and outside of their teeth in a circular motion. Maybe you still do that today. However, Netdoktor reports that this method is not recommended, as it allows food scraps to get under the gums. According to the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists (KZBV) to Inflammation of the gums or even lead to periodontal disease. Netdoktor recommends switching to the bass method instead to properly brush your teeth:

  • You apply a manual toothbrush slightly vertically and move it back and forth to loosen the plaque. Then you can brush away the plaque in the direction of the chewing surfaces.
  • If you brush electrically, all you have to do is move the brush from the gums to the chewing surfaces.

Tip: You can find a video tutorial on the Bass Method here:

Manual toothbrushes or electric toothbrushes for proper tooth brushing?
Manual toothbrushes or electric toothbrushes for proper tooth brushing?
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / Monfocus)

5. Manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush?

Electric toothbrushes make it easier to brush your teeth properly, according to the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK). Their small heads make it easier for them to get to hidden places. Rotating independently also helps to fight plaque strongly. But be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the protective layer on your teeth.

With a slightly longer cleaning time, manual toothbrushes are as effective as they are tied. With both types, make sure to use the correct brushing technique. With a manual toothbrush, you should also use a medium degree of hardness respect, think highly of.

Note: You should change the toothbrush or the electric brush head after three months at the latest. After this period of time, they have usually already worn out a lot and can no longer provide a hundred percent cleaning force. After infections, you should also replace the brush to avoid re-infection.

To properly brush your teeth also includes flossing.
To properly brush your teeth, flossing is a part.
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / Ben_Frieden)

6. Regularly floss the spaces in between.

It’s best to incorporate dental floss into your daily toothbrushing routine. Because the risk of tooth decay is particularly high between the teeth. If you have difficulties with the floss, speak to your dentist the next time you visit and ask for advice.

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7. You can brush your teeth properly and sustainably.

When brushing your teeth properly, pay attention to sustainability:

  • When you brush your teeth, don’t leave the faucet running; just turn it off.
  • Look for sustainable products: Use a sustainable bamboo toothbrush (**Avocado Store) and fair trade toothpaste (**Avocado Store).
  • Don’t throw away old toothbrushes; keep using them for cleaning the house. More here: Don’t throw away old toothbrushes: this is how you can use them.
  • Eat fewer processed foods with industrial sugar to avoid tooth decay.

Read more on Techzle.com:

  • Grinding teeth: causes, risks and help
  • Cleaning glasses: This is how they get shiny and clean
  • Micro adventures: Sustainable adventures for everyday life

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