brushing
Why do I need to brush my teeth?
It might be gross to think about, but our bodies and mouths are covered in bacteria. Most of the time there’s a balance and harmony in the population of germs. But if certain types of bacteria build up on the teeth or gums, they can start to cause disease. One of the best ways to prevent disease is to remove the bacteria with a toothbrush. Plus, in most polite societies, it is preferable not to share the fermenting odours of last week’s brunch with your companions.
If you notice bleeding when you brush, your gums are probably inflamed. Keep brushing gently and make an appointment to see your dentist to check it out.
Prevent decay.
Some bacteria stick onto the teeth. Over time, they make acids that dissolve calcium from the tooth, which weakens the tooth and eventually forms a hole. This is called decay or “caries”. The tooth might become sensitive to cold and sweet things, and in severe cases can become a painful toothache.
Prevent gum disease.
Some bacteria get under the gums. Over time, they irritate the gums and cause the gums to detach from the tooth, which is call gum disease or “periodontitis”. In severe cases, the gums can become infected and the tooth can become loose.
*Ok to be honest, nobody has ever asked me this question except kids who are trying to procrastinate about treatment and are in that “why” phase of life. But it seems like an obvious place to start! I never gave the question much thought before Dental School, presuming like most people that the bacteria ate away the tooth directly. I was fascinated to learn that it was actually the acid they produce that damages the tooth! A nuanced detail perhaps, but it was a geek moment I won’t forget.
Do I choose the brush, or does the brush choose me?
Standing in front of the dental section at the supermarket gives me flashbacks of a young Harry Potter in Ollivander’s wand shop… overwhelming, but without the bespoke customer service. Generally speaking, here is what I look for in a toothbrush.
Manual or electric?
In theory, a normal toothbrush can get your teeth just as clean as an electric toothbrush. But in reality, most people do a better job with the electric - it is just easier to use. (You can whip cream with a hand whisk or with an egg beater.)
The handle of electric toothbrushes are chunkier which makes it easier to hold, especially if you have arthritis or any hand problems.
If you’re feeling a little fancy-schmancy, you can splurge $350 for a rose gold, bluetooth-connected model with multiple brushing modes and a pretty travel case. Or you can get an acceptable basic model for $20-$50, with $7 replacement heads. The pressure sensor is useful if you can afford to spend a little more. Your call.
Soft, uneven bristles
Always use a soft bristle brush! They are more flexible so can reach between teeth and under the gum more easily.
Medium/hard bristles are more likely to damage the gums and tooth surface.
Bristles that are different lengths also reach between teeth better.
Perhaps something like this - Colgate SlimSoft or Oral B Vitality Gum Care.
Smaller brush head
I often think about this ad from my childhood and wish it were true. Everyone would clean their teeth better and I wouldn’t have so much back pain trying to see molars to do dental work!
Alas, not real.
The next best thing is to get a brush with a smaller head, so it can reach difficult areas like wisdom teeth, behind the lower front teeth and around gaps where a tooth has been removed.
What’s the best way to brush?
WHEN? Morning and night, for 2 minutes.
WHERE? All surfaces - outer (lip/cheek), inner (near tongue) and biting surfaces
WITH? A fluoride toothpaste and soft toothbrush.
HOW? Gently draw circles around each tooth, not scrubbing back/forth. Angle bristles slightly towards gums. If you’re using an electric brush, hold it on each tooth surface for 2 seconds before moving along.
Synchronised eyebrow movements optional.
Effective brushing comes down to technique - it is still possible to under-brush with an electric brush, or over-brush with a manual brush. And everyone has a unique set of teeth, so it’s best to ask your dentist to check where are you brushing well and what areas you are missing!
Tell me more!
I like your enthusiasm. Well, since you asked:
Should I brush after eating? Your teeth are a little softened by food acids immediately after eating, so ideally wait 30 minutes before brushing, but realistically in the mornings just do what you can. Twice a day is enough, but if you know there are areas where food gets caught, you should clean it out when you can. See “flossing”.
Is there such thing as brushing too hard? Yes. Like many things in life, moderation is the key. If you use a brush that is too hard, or apply too much pressure, scrub horizontally, use a gritty toothpaste, or brush more than 3 times a day, you are at risk of over-brushing. This can lead to gum and tooth damage such as “recession”.
What about eco-toothbrushes? There are more and more toothbrushes with biodegradable handles now, which is great but as far as I know most have nylon bristles that need to be plucked out before they decompose. The bristles are often not as ideal (harder and flat-trimmed). Bamboo handles are also more likely to get mouldy so you will have to replace it more frequently. It’s a personal choice, but I am yet to find one I love.
Can I recycle toothbrushes? In theory yes, but in Australia some local councils are sadly no longer able to recycle plastics. Colgate runs a dental recycling program, so you can check out TerraCycle to see if you have any local drop-off points, or ask your dentist to get involved!