When it comes to brushing, we could spend a lot of time talking about technique, how long to brush, which toothbrush to use, which toothpaste to use, etc...etc. Those things are important; however, the best advice I could ever give someone about brushing is this:
Be conscious of what you're doing.
If you're like me, you are probably a multi-tasker and do other things while you brush your teeth...watch the sport highlights on tv, check my calender, clean my ears (this one takes talent). Well, in doing this, I am not really conscious of what I'm doing. I know I'm scrubbing, and then I notice the toothpaste is starting to get pretty foamy, so I assume I'm good and done. The reality is I have no idea if I've adequately brushed each tooth surface and more than likely I've missed some spots. We tend to develop routines with our hygiene habits. This includes brushing our teeth. Many people develop a routine and, unknowingly to them, they are brushing certain teeth too much and others not enough. This goes on day after day, month after month, year after year. This really adds up! Because of this routine you could be missing some spots, not just once, but for a
LONG period of time! If you are not removing the plaque, then guess what, it's still on there. YOU have to get it off. It doesn't just go away.
And so, this is why the best advice I could ever give concerning brushing is:
Be conscious of what you're doing. Are you cleaning
every surface of your teeth? Ask yourself if you feel like you've scrubbed each part of the tooth well enough. Make sure you are cleaning the chewing surface and each side of every tooth. Do this for a couple weeks and you will surely develop a new and better routine...one that doesn't take any more time than before. It's just more effective and efficient.
Additional Thoughts:
1. When 1st trying to develop your new routine, try to focus on one tooth at a time. Don't just vaguely brush your right side then your left. You've got to be more specific and aware of what you are doing.
2. Work your way around your mouth in a set pattern. For example: work clockwise around your mouth. Top right, top front, top left, bottom left, bottom front, bottom right, done. Most of us have no rhythm or pattern. We are all over the place. Right side, left side, right side, front teeth, right side, etc. This is how we get into trouble. Jumping around like that, we have no idea what's truly been cleaned well. Be conscious of what you're doing and develop a pattern. Don't aimlessly brush. Develop a pattern that has purpose.
3. A majority of gum recession is caused by brushing without being conscious of what you're doing...a "hurried" technique that is so fast and furious it scrubs the gum tissue away. What's the number one cause of tooth sensitivity that I see in my office? Answer: root exposure caused by gum recession. Better brushing = less sensitivity.
4. Test yourself. Use a disclosing tablet provided by your dentist (I'd be happy to give you one, just ask) or a disclosing solution sold in drug stores. Both of these products are dissolved in the mouth prior to brushing and stain plaque (usually either red or blue). You then brush your teeth using your typical brushing routine. Afterwards, look in the mirror. All the spots you missed will still be stained that color. Modify your routine and test yourself again to see your improvements. (It will also show you how important flossing is.)
5. The topic of electric toothbrushes is a separate discussion, but I did want to throw in one point here. There are electric toothbrushes out there that can help you be more aware of what you're doing. This is mostly achieved with timers that notify you when you've spent enough time on one part of the mouth and it's time to move on to the next. You still have to be conscious of what you're doing though in order to develop an effective routine. Don't assume an electric brush will make up for all your brushing mistakes. If you're a bad brusher with a regular brush, you'll still be a bad brusher. You'll just have a cooler toothbrush, that's all.
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION:
If you are hoping to improve on your technique for this coming New Year as part of your New Year's Resolution, set an obtainable and specific objective. Instead of setting a vague goal of "I'm going to brush better this year", set something specific for the short term. Remember it only takes 21 days straight of doing something to form a new habit! Commit yourself to a better brushing technique for the next 21 days. Soon your new & better brushing technique will feel like the natural one to you. CHALLENGE YOURSELF! YOU CAN DO IT! It's such a small thing that in the big picture can really improve your dental health, overall health, and save you some money for dental treatment.
Food, food, and more food! I don't know anyone who doesn't look forward to the epic Thanksgiving feast! The turkey, of course, has always been the celebrity of the event, gobbling up (pun intended) all the media attention. However, I want to take a moment and point your eyes towards the true unseen hero of the Thanksgiving meal...cranberry sauce.
