Copyright 2006 Jason Bibb
Although tooth brushing seems to be something that you shouldn't even pay attention to when doing it, there are a few things to consider if you wish to maximize the efficiency of your brushing. Begin by selecting toothpaste that works well for your teeth. Combined with correct tooth brushing, you can eliminate negative factors such as tooth decay, gum diseases, tooth loss and bad breath. Toothpaste that contains fluoride makes the teeth a lot more resistant to decay and aids in repairing early decay of the tooth enamel before the problem starts to develop. Plaque and stains may also be removed in time by certain polishing ingredients found in some toothpaste products. Good toothpaste will also leave your mouth feeling fresh for at least an hour or two.
Selecting toothpaste
It is up to you to make a choice in determining your favorite toothpaste. You can go with a gel or paste and there is a huge variety of flavors - select the one you like and then consult with your dentist to see if the active ingredients in the product are effective. In fact, it is a great idea to select your toothpaste with your dentist's advice. Don't use a lot of toothbrush for one brushing - simply place an amount comparable in size to a pea and proceed brushing your teeth. When you brush your teeth try to do it at a 45-degree angle, directing the motion of the brush towards the gum line. Make sure to brush the front and back of your teeth, but do not neglect their backside. If you want to teach your child to brush their teeth effectively, only use small amounts of toothpaste - look for toothpaste specially designed for children under the age of six in stores for best results. As far as brushing duration is concerned, you can try to keep brushing your teeth for about three minutes.
Selecting your toothbrush It is also important to get a toothbrush that will work well with your teeth type and gums. The average brush has approximately 2,500 bristles that are grouped into tufts. The tufts are folded and placed into holes in the head of the brush and fixed in place. The handle is made of plastic and rubber for increased grip and hand comfort. A toothbrush with a smaller head is often recommended, since it allows you to reach every portion of the back side of your teeth as well. The handle length is also important from this perspective - it should be long enough for you to reach all corners of your mouth. If you are having difficulties gripping the smaller and thinner handles, you can always go for a thick handle toothbrush.