Maintaining good oral health is an essential part of overall well-being. One of the most basic and effective ways to do this is by brushing your teeth regularly. However, brushing alone isn't enough if done incorrectly. Many people feel they're maintaining adequate oral hygiene, but in fact, improper brushing technique can lead to various problems, from cavities and gingivitis to bad breath.
Why is Brushing Your Teeth Important?
The teeth and mouth are the first points of entry for food into the body. If not kept clean, food debris stuck between the teeth and gums can become a breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria then produce acid and damage tooth enamel, leading to cavities, plaque, and gum infections. Over the long term, these infections can even spread and affect the health of other organs, such as the heart and lungs.
Brushing your teeth regularly helps:
- Removes plaque and food residue
- Prevent tooth decay
- Prevent gum disease
- Avoid bad breath
- Maintaining the natural color of teeth
However, all these benefits can only be obtained if we brush our teeth the right way.
When is the Right Time to Brush Your Teeth?
The recommended time for brushing your teeth according to dental health experts is twice a day , namely:
- Morning after breakfast
Many people mistakenly brush their teeth before breakfast. However, brushing after breakfast is much more effective at removing food debris and bacteria that develop after eating. - At night before bed
This is the most important time to brush your teeth. While you sleep, saliva production decreases, allowing bacteria to thrive. Brushing before bed will remove plaque and prevent decay during the night.
Steps for Brushing Your Teeth Correctly
Here is how to brush your teeth as recommended by dentists:
1. Choose the Right Toothbrush
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a head that's the right size for your mouth. A toothbrush that's too hard can damage your gums and tooth enamel. If using an electric toothbrush, be sure to use it according to the instructions.
2. Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride because it helps protect teeth from acids produced by bacteria. Fluoride also strengthens tooth enamel.
3. Use the Correct Brushing Technique
Position the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle facing the gums. Use small, circular motions, not horizontal or too harsh strokes. Brush all tooth surfaces, including:
- The outer part of the tooth (front surface)
- Inside of the tooth (back surface)
- Chewing surface (top of molars)
For the inside of the front teeth, use the tip of the brush vertically and brush in an up and down motion.
4. Don't Forget to Brush Your Tongue
The tongue can also harbor bacteria that cause bad breath. Use the special surface on the back of your toothbrush or a special tongue cleaner.
5. Minimum duration of brushing teeth is 2 minutes.
Make sure you brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes , dividing the time evenly on each side of your mouth: top right, bottom right, top left, and bottom left.
6. Rinse with clean water
After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth thoroughly. However, some experts recommend not rinsing too much immediately to allow the fluoride from the toothpaste to work longer.
Bad Habits in Brushing Teeth
Although they may seem trivial, the following habits can make brushing your teeth less than optimal or even dangerous:
- Brushing your teeth too hard : Can injure your gums and damage tooth enamel.
- Brushing your teeth in a hurry : Not all tooth surfaces are brushed perfectly.
- Using a toothbrush for too long : Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 months or when the bristles become frayed.
- Brushing your teeth only once a day : Not enough to maintain oral hygiene.
Dental Care Combinations Beyond Brushing
Brushing your teeth is the main step, but for optimal results, it needs to be supplemented with:
- Dental Floss
Flossing helps clean food debris between teeth that a toothbrush can't reach.
- Mouthwash
Using mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen breath. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid dry mouth.
- Check Your Teeth Regularly
Have a dental check-up with your dentist at least once every 6 months for early detection and tartar cleaning.
Tooth Brushing Tips for Kids
Teaching children to brush their teeth from an early age is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Use a special toothbrush for children with cheerful colors and favorite characters.
- Make brushing your teeth a fun activity, for example with songs or games.
- Accompany your child while brushing their teeth until they are able to do it well, usually until the age of 7-8 years.
- Use a special toothpaste for children with a low dose of fluoride.
The Impact of Not Brushing Your Teeth Properly
If we do not brush our teeth regularly and correctly, various problems can arise, such as:
- Plaque and tartar : A sticky layer containing bacteria, if not cleaned can harden into tartar.
- Cavities (caries) : Often occurs due to plaque eroding tooth enamel.
- Gingivitis (gum inflammation) : Characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing.
- Periodontitis : A serious infection of the gums that can damage the tissue that supports the teeth.
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis) : Caused by food residue and bacteria that are not cleaned.
- Premature tooth loss : Especially in children if the baby teeth are damaged.
Article written by Drg. Nurasi (Dentist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).