Note: This article is for general information purposes and does not replace individual dental advice.

Brushing your teeth regularly lays the foundation for healthy teeth and healthy gums. Yet the secret to radiantly beautiful teeth lies not only in regularity, but also in using the right technique when brushing.

Ideally, all relevant factors should be taken into account in order to maintain the foundation of your oral hygiene in the long term. That is why dental care involves not only a toothbrush and mouthwash, but also a suitable toothpaste and dental floss for daily use. Here you will find the most important information on the subject of brushing your teeth properly.

Brushing your teeth properly – what to bear in mind in your daily dental care

Proper dental hygiene is more than just brushing your teeth. Due to a lack of motivation or time pressure, brushing often ends up being no more than a quick once-over. The consequence: tooth decay. For a well-established dental care routine, there are therefore a few rules of thumb that should be followed:

brush your teeth properly at least twice a day
for around three minutes
use dental floss daily
clean your toothbrush

Dental plaque, which builds up on the teeth and along the gum line, can only be removed by mechanical cleaning (by hand or with an electric toothbrush). This cannot simply be replaced by a mouthwash. To counteract tooth decay and periodontal disease, the teeth should be brushed thoroughly both in the morning and in the evening.

Regularity and duration play a decisive role here. The recurring cleaning process helps to combat the bacteria responsible for the formation of tooth decay. The cleaning must not be cut too short.

Anyone who simply lets the rough three-minute rule of thumb run its course without applying the right brushing technique might as well not bother with oral hygiene at all. The components mentioned need to be used in the right way and in the right combination. This also applies to the use of dental floss, which is often forgotten.

Which method is recommended?

No single tooth should be neglected during dental care. That may sound like a lot of work, but it is not. Once you have found a systematic approach and established a routine, no tooth is left out when brushing properly.
There are various techniques by which the teeth can be brushed.

The Bass technique, also known as the vibration technique

The neck of the tooth and the gingival sulcus are cleaned, and with this method the gums also receive a gentle massage. The toothbrush is placed at a 45° angle and moved with small vibrating motions between the tooth and the gum. This method is the most widely used among patients and is recommended by most dentists.

The Stillman technique

Cleaning is carried out vertically, from bottom to top (from the gum towards the tip of the tooth). The toothbrush is placed at a 45-degree angle. This method is suitable for people who suffer from receding gums.

The Fones rotation method

With the front teeth placed edge to edge (incisal edge contact), cleaning is carried out by applying the bristles with perpendicular pressure to the outer surfaces of the teeth.

The right toothbrush

The tool for cleaning your teeth also needs to be chosen carefully. Some people prefer a conventional toothbrush, while others swear by an electric one. Both instruments serve their purpose when used correctly. The choice should fall on the toothbrush that feels comfortable when brushing and does not cause any pain. Medium to soft bristles are therefore recommended, as they are gentle on the gums and the tooth enamel. An electric toothbrush, on the other hand, can make dental care easier, as no additional manual effort is required. Cleaning by electric means is automatically more precise.

Is a suitable toothpaste necessary?

The toothpaste should have a low RDA value (abrasiveness value) and contain a sufficient amount of fluoride. While fluoride protects against tooth decay, a low abrasiveness value is gentle on the tooth.

RDA = 0 – 20 (very low)
RDA = 20 – 40 (low)
RDA = 40 – 60 (medium)

For adults, the fluoride content of the toothpaste should not exceed 0.15%. As children's teeth are more sensitive, there are special toothpastes for milk teeth in which the fluoride content should not exceed 0.05%.

Tips for proper dental care at a glance

Brush your teeth properly twice a day
Use a fluoride toothpaste
Use dental floss and interdental brushes
Consider having a professional teeth cleaning carried out regularly at the dentist

At the dental practice of Dr. Pantas in Düsseldorf, you will receive professional guidance and advice on this subject in a setting of modern dentistry. Dr. Pantas and his team will be happy to assist you in word and deed.