Proper pressure application when brushing teeth
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In a recent development, dentist Julia Thome from Cologne's Carree Dental dental center has shared her insights on the correct brushing technique for maintaining oral hygiene.
Thome advises using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging gums and enamel. The toothbrush should be held at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. When brushing, she suggests using small, shaking movements to effectively remove plaque and food residue.
After using these small, shaking movements, one can remove remaining plaque and food residue with a wiping movement towards the chewing surface. It is important to note that fresh plaque is soft and does not require aggressive scrubbing when brushing teeth.
Thome's technique involves aligning the bristles of the toothbrush at an angle of about 45 degrees towards the gum. However, she does not mention any specific pressure range for brushing teeth.
When it comes to pressure, an unusual helper for determining the right pressure when brushing teeth is a kitchen or letter scale. The ideal pressure, according to Thome, should show 100 to 150 grams on a kitchen or letter scale. Too much pressure with a toothbrush can cause gums to recede, potentially harming teeth over time.
It is crucial to brush all surfaces of each tooth (outer, inner, and chewing surfaces), spending about 2 minutes total. To ensure the brush is effective, gentle, circular motions rather than harsh back-and-forth scrubbing should be used.
Lastly, part of the toothbrush bristles should be on the gum and part on the tooth surface, as per the technique advised by Thome. The direction of the wiping movement after brushing is towards the chewing surface.
While Thome's precise instructions may not be available in this article, these guidelines represent the consensus dental advice for proper brushing pressure and technique. For her precise instructions, you may need to consult her published materials or professional dental sources directly.
Science and health-and-wellness are intertwined in the dental care sector, as demonstrated by Julia Thome's brushing technique recommendations. By adhering to Thome's method, which includes using a kitchen or letter scale to monitor brushing pressure, one can ensure a healthier mouth and contribute to overall wellness.
