Which is the right brushing method?

Hello doctor,

There are several videos on how to brush your teeth correctly on the internet. But I am not sure which one is the best method. I am 51 years old and had some fillings for my teeth. But I think brushing in a circular motion may be the right way instead of a back and forth motion. Here is my current oral care routine.

1. I floss once a day before I go to bed late at night.

2. Use a Waterpik after flossing only at night before bedtime. Brush using toothpaste.

3. Then, I use an antibacterial mouth wash for twenty to thirty seconds in the mouth.

4. I also use another antibacterial mouth wash once a day after brushing in the morning.

My question is, what improvements or adjustments should I make over my current oral routine, and would you please explain the correct way I should brush my upper and lower teeth to prevent cavities? Is it necessary to brush your gums also? But I do not have aching gums? I will be having gum grafting first month of early next year. This was advised due to using a medium or harsher bristle toothbrush over the years. My dentist suggests a soft toothbrush, and my mother suggests an extra soft. Although it is more expensive, I only try to use an extra-soft toothbrush that I replace every three months.

Thank you.

Hello doctor,

Are you saying one complete circular motion for each tooth is sufficient enough to clean each tooth? I am thinking of adding another brushing to my day, making it three times: morning, afternoon, and late evening as that extra brushing may keep cavities at bay. I am worried that if I brush just day and night, the time gap between subsequent brushing sessions would be too long, and cavities may form. You mentioned previously to brush the upper cusp by going straight to clear debris, which sounds like a back and forth sawing motion. I assume you are referring to the teeth that do the job of biting food. Would you please correct me if I am wrong?

You also mentioned brushing the buccal and lingual surfaces gently. What do you mean by a gentle way? Is it how I should hold the toothbrush and move it? Do you not suggest that I use mouth rinse every day? My hygenist said that after I brush my upper and lower teeth, I can brush my gums in the last. Also, can I use water flosser?

Thank you.

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your response.

There was an article I read last night. That water flosser helps remove food debris and massages your gums, so you get two in one action. I have practiced and corrected the steps on using the water flosser by watching the videos. I must have been using the water flosser wrong, as I have been having the tip touch my gums and in between teeth, which may not be correct, as you mentioned earlier, to massage my gums regularly, at least once a day. I also have another two questions: Is using a water flosser sufficient to do regular massage my gums by providing a two in one action? Or do you only recommend using a manual toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles to massage my gums at least once a day regularly? If using a water flosser twice a day is too much on my gums or teeth, please let me know. Or if you suggest using only a water flosser once a day, are the correct methods to use water flosser provided on the online platforms?

Thank you.

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your response.

I researched some more and found another article and would like to have your opinion on this matter. First, I would like to share what the article has mentioned. It is said that antibacterial mouthwashes and other commercial mouthwashes are acidic and contain potential cancer-causing chemicals. However, simple gentler homemade rinses can soothe your mouth and balance your pH, among other benefits. For example, they help prevent cavities too.

The two products I have in my home for oral care other than the water flosser are traditional flossing. Another product I use at night after brushing before bedtime is a commercial mouthwash that claims to fight plaque along the gumline, help prevent gingivitis, and kill 99% germs on contact.

My question from all this is whether you recommend any therapeutic mouthwashes that can reduce plaque or contain fluoride for cavity protection for occasional use? Or should I stick with only simple, gentle homemade rinses that soothe the mouth? I never heard of simple gentler homemade rinses.

Thank you.