Christopher Lillo, DMD, practices general dentistry with Oak Ridge Dental Group, PA, in Toms River, New Jersey. He offers a full range of cosmetic and restorative services, including crowns and bridges. Dr. Christopher Lillo emphasizes the importance of regular brushing and flossing as a way of maintaining optimal tooth and gum health, and he promotes the techniques for brushing the right way.
Brushing effectively begins with holding the toothbrush at the proper angle. The bristles should ideally touch the gums at 45 degrees relative to the gum line. The user should not push the toothbrush too hard, as this can damage the gums. Rather, the user should feel simple pressure from the bristles against the gums and between the teeth. He or she should apply the brush in short, circular strokes that cover each surface several times.
One common mistake is simply brushing the visible outer side of the teeth. The brush should also angle inward to clean the inner sides of the teeth and run along the gum line. The user should carefully check in a mirror to make sure all the teeth are clean, as it is easy to miss molars in the back. Finally, it is important to brush the tongue to eliminate harmful bacteria and to floss between the teeth.
Brushing effectively begins with holding the toothbrush at the proper angle. The bristles should ideally touch the gums at 45 degrees relative to the gum line. The user should not push the toothbrush too hard, as this can damage the gums. Rather, the user should feel simple pressure from the bristles against the gums and between the teeth. He or she should apply the brush in short, circular strokes that cover each surface several times.
One common mistake is simply brushing the visible outer side of the teeth. The brush should also angle inward to clean the inner sides of the teeth and run along the gum line. The user should carefully check in a mirror to make sure all the teeth are clean, as it is easy to miss molars in the back. Finally, it is important to brush the tongue to eliminate harmful bacteria and to floss between the teeth.