As the saying goes, "Good teeth make good appetite, and good body makes good food." It can be seen that dental health is the first step for people to improve their quality of life. However, in today's fast-paced life, time is often a symbol of efficiency and money. The fast-paced life concept makes people neglect good living habits. The time people spend brushing their teeth is less than even a minute, and this brushing method not only fails to have a health-promoting effect, but also damages the teeth and gums. Therefore, we believe that the correct way of brushing teeth is an important aspect that cannot be ignored in dental care.
I. Incorrect brushing methods affect dental health
The purpose of brushing teeth is to clean the oral cavity, remove soft white deposits, food debris, and partial dental plaque, rather than being a form or a process. Many people have poor teeth, which is related to their incorrect brushing methods. Incorrect brushing methods can cause the accumulation of tartar in the areas that have not been brushed for a long time, which not only affects health but also affects aesthetics. On the other hand, proper brushing can not only reduce pathogenic factors in the oral environment and enhance tissue resistance to diseases, but also prevent various oral diseases, especially periodontal disease and tooth decay.
II. The correct way of brushing teeth
Do not brush horizontally, as it can cause hard tissue damage to the teeth known as "wedge-shaped defects". Brushing vertically can brush food residues into the gaps between the teeth and cause gum infections. In fact, brushing teeth three times a day, after each meal, is the healthiest way to brush teeth. This not only benefits dental health, but also prevents dental diseases.
1. Slow down the brushing motion
It is worth noting that cleaning the lip (cheek) surface, tongue palate, and occlusal surface of each tooth carefully should take at least 3 minutes. Slowing down the brushing motion can thoroughly clean the teeth and oral environment, which is beneficial for eliminating periodontal inflammation, killing viruses and bacteria, and protecting the heart, brain, and lungs. At the same time, a sufficient brushing time is also conducive to the absorption of medicinal ingredients in toothpaste.
2. Brush teeth in the morning and evening, rinse mouth after meals
Developing the habit of brushing teeth in the morning and evening and rinsing mouth after meals is the foundation of maintaining oral hygiene and the prerequisite for maintaining overall health. At the same time, we should also pay attention to small details in daily life, such as cleaning the toothbrush after each use and shaking off the water on the bristles as much as possible. After brushing teeth, the toothbrush head should be placed facing up in a rinsing cup, preferably in a dry and ventilated place. Remember not to put the used toothbrush in a sealed container.
3. Clean toothbrush and replace it regularly
As the saying goes, "Illness enters through the mouth," so brushing teeth is particularly important. However, we must not overlook the toothbrush, which is the necessary tool for brushing our teeth multiple times a day. The toothbrush also plays a crucial role in determining the quality of our brushing. Therefore, after brushing teeth, the toothbrush should be carefully cleaned, especially rinsing off the residual toothpaste and food debris on it. In addition, when choosing a toothbrush, we should choose a small-headed and soft-bristled toothbrush, and brush with appropriate force. At the same time, the type of toothbrush should be regularly replaced to prevent an imbalance in the oral microbial community caused by long-term use of a particular type, which may increase the risk of tooth decay.
III. Precautions for brushing teeth
Brushing teeth should last for at least 3 minutes. Pay attention to the correct method of brushing teeth, brush teeth along the direction of tooth growth, and avoid brushing horizontally back and forth forcefully to prevent gum damage. The best time to brush teeth is within 3 minutes after meals, which can prevent bacteria from depositing on the tooth surface and prevent tooth decay. During other times, the mouth can be cleaned with water, salt water, or mouthwash.
In summary, the healthiest way to brush teeth is to brush in a circular motion, drawing "M" shape for the upper teeth and "w" shape for the lower teeth. This can not only clean the dental plaque thoroughly but also avoid damaging the teeth and gums. In order to prevent intestinal and pulmonary infections caused by bacteria on the toothbrush, or even the entry of bacteria into the bloodstream through the oral mucosa, we should regularly disinfect the toothbrush and preferably replace it every month. If conditions are limited, at least ensure that the toothbrush is replaced every 3 months.