Have you ever been frustrated because you brush and floss, but still bleed from your gums or have a lot of tartar build up? You may be using the wrong techniques! There are different ways to brush and floss.
Brushing Techniques
Modified Stillman’s method: This brushing method places the toothbrush bristles at a 45 degree angle TOWARDS your gums. Half on the bristles will fall onto your gums and the other half on the tooth surface. This method combines circular and sweeping motions when brushing. However, make sure to brush SOFTLY. By brushing softly you stimulate the gums and don’t cause any harm. However, brushing too hard can cause gum damage and lead them to recede, exposing the root of a tooth.
Fones brushing method: This method is the preferred method for young kids. It’s a great method to get them started and make brushing easier for them! This method places the toothbrush bristles at a 90 degree angle and brushes in circular motions.
Charters brushing method: This method is recommended for patients that have braces and/or permanent prostheses. For this method you place the toothbrush bristles above the braces/ prostheses and use a vibrating motion, then you place the bristles below the braces and repeat motion.
Flossing Techniques
String floss: This is the most effective and recommended flossing aid. When using string floss you want to make sure you create a c-shape around the tooth. We want to “hug” the tooth with the string. Then, you will create an up and down rubbing motion. You want to make sure to go below the gum line and all the way up until you hit where the teeth contact.
Floss picks: Floss pick is the second most used floss aid. It is a great tool if used correctly. You want to make sure you try to replicate the “c-shape” method. To do so, you want to apply pressure against the tooth surface, go below the gum line and up to the contact. You can use the same 1-2 picks but make sure to rinse it off after each tooth.
Author: Written by Adamaris Reyes, RDH at Manchego Dental.
Got more questions about brushing or flossing? Contact us today.