Significance and Types of Tooth Brushing: An Overview

Why Is Toothbrushing a Daily Regimen?

• Suppose an individual does not focus on tooth brushing, which is the most important regimen that starts the day. In that case, it can eventually lead to aggregation of harmful plaque and calculus deposits alongside gingival recession, bleeding, malodor, and systemic diseases because of the onset of gingivitis (gum disease) and periodontitis (jaw bone disease).

• The primary aim of tooth brushing is to ensure the removal of plaque that is not only implicated by research as the primary cause of tooth decay but is mainly responsible for gum disease. Brushing correctly with the right technique will arrest the build-up of plaque formation on the tooth enamel. Dental floss, mouth washing, interdental aids, and regular dental follow-ups are all important parts of maintaining individual oral hygiene.

• Gum disease can be mainly prevented on a daily basis by brushing around and especially concentrating on brushing under the gumline. This is the point where most oral bacteria and harmful plaque accumulates. When the plaque hardens because of our salivary action, it becomes hardened as calculus deposits on the tooth surface. The calculus deposit or plaque not only harbors harmful microorganisms but also is the root cause of gum recession and periodontal disease. These deposits should be cleaned by a dental professional at least once in six months.

What Is the Ideal Oral Hygiene Practice?

Toothbrushes nearly come in different sizes and shapes. To start with, small brushes are ideal only for young children or toddlers, while adults should use brushes with adult-size heads. It is always essential to select a soft or extra soft bristle toothbrush depending upon the comfort level. The shape and size of the toothbrush should easily fit in the mouth so that the individual can follow the brushing techniques elaborated below correctly.

It is important to reach out to all the different areas or corners of the teeth during brushing. Dentists usually recommend brushing the teeth twice a day for at least two minutes every time to lessen the chances of developing carious lesions and gum diseases. In case the toothbrush is new, and the bristles are quickly fraying, it is a common sign that the brushing is forceful or hard on the gums. Therefore, it would be a good idea to always ask the dentist about the correct brushing technique and type of toothbrush the individual need to use as per the individual's gum condition. A good practice is to change the toothbrush every three to four months, and this is because bristles that are worn out or frayed cannot be efficient.

The toothpaste should always be an ADA (American Dental Association)-accepted toothpaste to ensure you have the right amount of fluoride incorporated into your toothpaste.

What Are the Different Types of Brushing Methods?

Dentists advise three conventional or commonly recommended brushing techniques, so the individual can try to ensure teeth health by cleaning them well with the help of these techniques.

1. Bass or Sulcular Technique

The Bass or the sulcular method of brushing is where the individual uses the toothbrush bristles to scrub off the plaque or the biofilm formed over your tooth surfaces efficiently. A global 2018 systemic review and analysis after a study of various brushing techniques demonstrated the efficacy of the modified Bass/Bass technique, considered currently the most effective method in the prevention of dental plaque and gingivitis in comparison to other conventional brushing methods, such as the horizontal method.

In this technique, the toothbrush should be held parallel to the teeth, and it has to be tilted almost to a 45-degree angle. This angulation ensures the effective application of the bristles against the tooth biofilm. Hold the brush angulated near the gumline of the teeth, and with a firm yet gentle soft pressure application, give the brush back and forth strokes. The individual can also use circular strokes or motion nearly 15 to 20 times in one area before moving on to the next area or quadrant. First, all teeth on the outer surface should be brushed with angulated motion, and then the backside of the teeth should be cleaned using the same motion later. In the case of front teeth, hold the toothbrush in a vertical position, and even for the backside surface of the front teeth that touch the tongue or roof of the mouth, giving up and down strokes using the bristles. Focus should also be on brushing the posterior tooth surface effectively by brushing the chewing surfaces of the molars. The tongue can also be ideally brushed at last.

2. Stillman Technique

The Stillman brushing technique is exactly similar to the Bass technique except for the motion. In this technique, the only difference is instead of giving circular motion for all the tooth surfaces. Short horizontal strokes should be given back-and-forth on almost all the surfaces of the teeth.

3. Charter Technique

The dentist may recommend the Charter method only when the individual has more spacing between the teeth, if the person is already suffering from gingival recession, gum exposure, or root exposure, or if the person has a history of periodontal surgery. This brushing technique would also be recommended in patients who wear orthodontic appliances or are wearers of fixed partial dentures.

In this technique, the brush bristles are oriented to the gumline at a 45-degree angle, but unlike in Stillman or bass technique, the direction points toward the tooth's chewing surface or the crown surface. In this position, pointing towards the crown of the tooth, the brush is gently vibrated for at least fifteen to twenty counts, and circular or back-and-forth motions can be used to brush the teeth surfaces and even the interproximal areas of the teeth where food tends to get lodged commonly. Short effective strokes are given to clean the tooth surfaces in between the contact areas. If the person cannot access these interproximal or contact areas effectively in between the teeth, the individual can take the help of interdental brushes, floss, or water flossers, all of which are effective in the removal of interdental plaque and can help prevent gum bleeding.

4. Circular Brushing Method.

This is one of the easiest techniques taught globally, especially to children, where the brush bristles are just held at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line, and small, light circular shaped strokes are used for cleaning the tooth surface.

Conclusion:

Any individual can hope to aspire for healthier teeth and gums in terms of oral hygiene maintenance by following the correct brushing method recommended by the dentist. Also, it is important to get the teeth cleaned regularly every year, at least during dental follow-ups. Professional dental plaque control plays a major role in preventing oral and systemic health issues.