Learn to brush correctly!

Proper brushing aims to clean the teeth of food residues and remove dental plaque from all surfaces of each tooth. We should therefore remember that teeth have 3 sides that can be cleaned with a toothbrush:

The outer or buccal side of the teeth (the one facing the cheeks),
the chewing surface of the teeth, that is, the surface we chew with, and
the inner side of the teeth (facing the palate or the tongue).

* The areas between the teeth (interdental spaces) should be cleaned using dental floss or special interdental brushes, as the bristles of the toothbrush cannot clean them.

* Proper brushing should also clean the tongue, as the tongue has grooves (small furrows) on its dorsum in which bacteria can accumulate very easily.

How should I brush my teeth?

Place a small amount of toothpaste (pea-sized) on your toothbrush.
Place your toothbrush at approximately a 45-degree angle at the groove between the gums and teeth and make a localized back-and-forth motion on a group of 1-2 teeth. Then “sweep” downward, cleaning the entire surface.

ATTENTION! We clean locally one group of 1-2 teeth at a time! Forget the vigorous back-to-front motion that most of us incorrectly do. Not only does this fail to properly clean our teeth, but it can also damage our gums over time.

On the inner surface of the front teeth, you should position your brush vertically.
On the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth, always follow a sequence. First the inner (lingual) surfaces of the upper and lower teeth, and then the outer (buccal) surfaces.

General observations

According to scientific research, a proper and thorough brushing should last 2-3 minutes! This is approximately the time required for your teeth to absorb the necessary substances from the toothpaste and to ensure adequate cleaning of every surface. Time yourself.
Remember that you need to apply light pressure on your toothbrush during brushing. It is not force that will ensure excellent oral hygiene but rather the correct, careful, and regular technique. On the contrary, applying excessive force destroys the enamel of the teeth and your gums.
Do not stop brushing if any area of your gums bleeds. Whatever bleeds should be brushed more. Gum bleeding during brushing indicates possible gingivitis. Visit your dentist so they can address the cause of the gingivitis. Healthy gums do not bleed during brushing.
Brush your teeth always before going to bed. At night, saliva production (which acts as a natural cleanser of the mouth) decreases, resulting in an acceleration of the tooth decay process.
Change your toothbrush frequently. If you notice the bristles of the toothbrush splaying from the head, discard it and buy a new one, as those bristles can injure your gums. Change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
After brushing, rinse your toothbrush well with hot water and let it dry. This way you keep harmful bacteria away from your toothbrush.

Dental floss

Dental floss should be used at least once a day, after brushing, in order to clean the interdental areas that our toothbrush cannot reach.

Cut a piece approximately half a meter long and, after wrapping it around your middle fingers, use approximately the amount shown in images (1) and (2) each time. Image (1) shows the grip of the floss for the upper teeth and (2) for the lower teeth.
Using the index finger and thumb, with one hand inside the mouth and the other outside, bring the floss vertically between the teeth. Then, “hug” the surface of the right tooth with the floss and slide the floss upward, as shown in images (3) and (4). Repeat the same procedure for the surface of the left tooth.
By unwinding the floss from the left hand and winding it onto the right hand, move on to the next teeth.

Alternatively, you can use disposable floss picks or interdental brushes. Your dentist will advise you on which size or sizes you should use in each area.