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| Proper brushing is the first step to maintaining healthy teeth
and gums. It takes at least two minutes using a recommended technique to do a good job
of brushing your teeth. Whether you are using a regular toothbrush or a power toothbrush,
you should spend 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right and left,
lower right and left). |
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| What's the best way to brush your teeth?
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| There are many ways to brush your teeth. Ask your dentist or
hygienist for their recommendation. However, here's an example of one frequently recommended
method, using a regular toothbrush: |
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| Step One: |
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For the outer tooth surfaces, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the
gumline |
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Use gentle, short strokes, moving the brush back and forth against the teeth and
gums. |
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| Step Two: |
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Use this same motion to clean the chewing and inner tooth surfaces. |
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| Step Three: |
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To clean the inner front tooth surfaces, hold the brush upright and use gentle up-and-down
strokes with the tip of the brush. |
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| Step Four: |
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Don't forget to brush along the gumline, and make sure you reach the teeth right
at the back |
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Also give your tongue a brushing - it'll help keep your breath fresh! |
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| How do I brush with a power toothbrush? |
| You can achieve better results with power toothbrushes that
utilize oscillating-rotating technology than with regular, manual toothbrushes. Oral-B
pioneered oscillating-rotating technology in 1991 and has published over 60 clinical studies
demonstrating its superior performance. Now, an independent landmark study has confirmed
what Oral-B knew all along - oscillating-rotating technology is superior to other power
toothbrush technologies. This brushing action is very different from ordinary manual toothbrushes,
as it does the job of brushing for you-just be sure to guide the brushhead to all parts
of your mouth.
Refer to the brushing instructions supplied with your power toothbrush. Instructions
for using the Oral-B range of rotating power toothbrushes are as follows: |
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| Step One: |
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Guide the brushhead slowly from tooth to tooth, following the curve of the gum and
the shape of each tooth. |
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Hold the brushhead in place for a few seconds before moving on to the next tooth. |
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| Step Two: |
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Don't forget to reach all areas, including the inner and chewing surfaces, and behind
your back teeth. |
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| Step Three: |
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Direct the brushhead along the gumline. It isn't necessary to press hard or scrub.
Simply let the brush do all the work |
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| How do I brush with a sonic toothbrush? |
| Other power toothbrushes, referred to as sonic toothbrushes,
feature a brushhead similar to a manual toothbrush and require the patient to use the
brush in a similar way to how they would use their manual toothbrush. See below for brushing
instructions for this type of power toothbrush. |
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| Step One: |
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Angle the bristles toward the gum line. |
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Gently move the brush head in a slightly circular motion. |
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| Step Two: |
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After a few seconds, glide the bristles to the next section and pause while you
gently circulate the bristles again. |
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Try using only light pressure and let your brush do the work for you. |
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| Step Three: |
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Adjust your brushing so that you keep as many bristles in contact with your teeth
as possible. |
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Don't forget to reach all areas, including the inner and chewing surfaces, and behind
back teeth. |
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| What is tartar? |
| Every time you brush, you remove the plaque that is constantly
forming on your teeth. If you allow plaque to build up, it can harden into tartar (also
called calculus) which can then only be removed by your dentist or hygienist. |
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| How do I keep my teeth naturally whiter between dental
visits? |
Everybody wants to have white teeth and there are many products
available that lighten teeth - using a chemical process, called bleaching. In fact,
we have devoted a whole section to tooth
whitening.
However, brushing your teeth regularly with toothpaste will remove some of the stain
that builds up on the teeth - as a result of drinking coffee or tea, and red wine. Studies
show that 3D Excel keeps teeth naturally whiter than a regular manual toothbrush and
another leading power toothbrush.1
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| 1 |
Sharma NC et al. Am J Dent 2002; 15: 71 - 76 3D Excel
vs Sonicare
sonicare is a trademark of Philips Oral Healthcare, Inc. |
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