To Wet or Not to Wet: The Truth About Brushing Your Teeth

October 24, 2023

Brushing your teeth and washing your face are things we do every day. Brushing your teeth is something that many people take for granted. They think they know how to brush their teeth, but in reality, there are still some blind spots when it comes to brushing. For example, should you wet your toothbrush before brushing?

To Wet or Not to Wet the Toothbrush

There is a rumor that wetting your toothbrush before brushing makes it ineffective. However, this is a misconception. Dentists explain that the key to cleaning your teeth is to brush them thoroughly. Whether you wet the toothbrush or not doesn't matter. Generally, wetting the toothbrush can help prevent the gum irritation caused by a dry brush.

The Cleaning Principle of Toothpaste

The main ingredient in toothpaste is an abrasive, which removes plaque from the teeth during brushing. Toothpaste also contains foaming agents that create foam when in contact with water. This foam helps loosen deposits and stains on the surface of the teeth, speeding up the cleaning process.

The Correct Brushing Technique

Brush the upper teeth from top to bottom and the lower teeth from bottom to top. Brush the chewing surfaces back and forth. The horizontal vibrating brushing technique can effectively remove plaque from the gumline and gum pockets, providing effective cleaning and control of periodontal infection.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Many people are unsure whether to choose a soft or hard bristle toothbrush. Generally, the softness or hardness of the toothbrush bristles varies from person to person. People with periodontal disease can choose a soft bristle toothbrush, which is beneficial for cleaning the gumline. People without periodontal disease can choose a toothbrush with medium softness and a small brush head. Toothbrushes should not be used for too long, and it is recommended to replace them every month.

The Recommended Brushing Time

The recommended brushing time is after each meal - in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Each brushing session should last for three minutes, and all three surfaces of the teeth should be brushed in order to achieve effective cleaning.

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