The appropriate force needed while brushing your teeth
In the realm of dental health, maintaining good oral hygiene is of utmost importance. Dentist Julia Thome from Cologne's Carree Dental clinic provides some valuable insights on the correct tooth brushing technique.
Firstly, the direction for sweeping away dislodged plaque and food particles is towards the chewing surface. This is a fundamental aspect of the process, ensuring that all debris is effectively removed.
Secondly, when brushing your teeth, it's crucial to hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. This positioning allows the bristles to reach both the tooth surface and the gum line, ensuring a thorough clean.
One of the most interesting pieces of advice from Dentist Thome is the use of a kitchen or postal scale to gauge the right amount of pressure when brushing teeth. This method involves placing your toothbrush on the scale and gently pressing down until the scale reads around 150-200 grams (about 1.5 to 2 newtons). This range is considered optimal to clean effectively without damaging gums or enamel. By replicating this force using your hand, you can develop a tactile sense of the correct pressure, helping to prevent overbrushing, which can cause gum recession and enamel wear.
It's worth noting that fresh plaque is soft and does not require aggressive scrubbing when brushing teeth. Aggressive tooth brushing can lead to gum recession, and excessive pressure during tooth brushing can cause damage to teeth over time.
Lastly, small, shaking motions are recommended for proper brushing technique to dislodge plaque and food particles. This gentle approach, combined with the correct pressure and angle, forms the foundation of a healthy and effective tooth brushing routine.
While Dentist Julia Thome's specific technique for using a scale was not detailed in the provided sources, this method is commonly used by dentists for patient demonstration purposes. For exact numbers or further details, it may be best to consult Julia Thome's original source or dental hygiene references that specify target brushing pressures and practical ways to control force with a scale.
By following these recommendations, you can contribute to the preservation of your dental health and maintain a bright, healthy smile.
Science and health-and-wellness are intertwined in maintaining a bright, healthy smile. For instance, using a kitchen scale to gauge the pressure when brushing teeth, as suggested by Dentist Julia Thome, is a scientifically backed method that promotes good oral hygiene and reduces the risk of damage to gums and teeth.
