For a proper brushing, the first thing we must do is
divide our mouth into four quadrants: two upper halves and two lower halves.
Dedicate at least 30 seconds to brush each quadrant, which will take us a total
of 2 minutes of brushing. To help us, we can use a stopwatch or listen to our
favorite song. The position of the toothbrush will vary according to the area of
the tooth to be brushed.

Before brushing, wait at least 30 minutes after eating,
especially if something acidic is consumed: doing it immediately after can
eliminate the enamel of the teeth that the acid would weaken.

It is important to know how much toothpaste to use.
From 0 to 3 years of age, an amount of toothpaste similar to a grain of rice
should be used, increasing to the size of a pea from 3 years of age to adults.

Place the brush horizontally at a 45º angle to the gums and make sweeping movements. That is, slide the brush from the gums towards the grinding edge of the teeth. These movements should be short and with gentle pressure. If you brush hard, you damage the tooth enamel and gums without removing food debris or dental plaque. In this position, you will first brush the upper teeth’ outer surfaces, starting with the back area of the right quadrant, then the left quadrant, and continue with the lower left quadrant, and then the right quadrant.

Brush the internal surfaces in the order described above and with the brush’s same inclination. To brush the inner surfaces of the incisors and canines, you should hold the brush vertically and make upward and downward sweeping movements, respectively.

Use back and forth movements to brush the teeth’ chewing surfaces, maintaining the quadrants’ order. The brush fibers should penetrate all areas to prevent food debris from being left behind.

Brush the tongue in a sweeping motion from back to front with the brush in a horizontal position to remove food particles and odor-causing bacteria for fresh breath.

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position, allowing it to air dry. If stored in a closed container, germs will have more opportunities to grow.

• Use fluoride toothpaste because it helps strengthen and protect teeth and is the best anticaries agent.

• Avoid rinsing with water because the beneficial effects of fluoride are diminished. It is recommended to spit, not rinse.

• Use dental floss and mouthwash at least once a day.

The most common problem is tooth decay, so the main recommendations are to use toothpaste with fluoride and make at least one annual visit to the dentist. At Channel Islands Family Dental, we advise you to use toothpaste with a fluoride content of more than 1,000 particles per million (ppm). This is because the fluoride will help increase the enamel’s strength, stop the growth of tartar-producing bacteria, and remineralize the enamel layer and make it stronger.

In cases of periodontal diseases such as gingivitis (which causes bleeding gums) it is also possible to use a toothpaste that, in addition to the fluoride part, uses some antiseptic. If you notice bleeding in your gums, you can see the Oxnard Dentist, Ventura Dentist, Port Hueneme Dentist, Santa Paula Dentist so that our dentist can diagnose it and indicate the best treatment.

If you present with tooth sensitivity due to enamel wear, we recommend using a toothpaste designed to plug those pores of the tooth that cause us so much pain. This occurs because the nerve is closer and closer to the surface and sudden temperature changes cause this pain to appear.

Concerning whitening toothpaste, it should be pointed out that their effect is minimal since they are not effective on their own beyond an effective cleaning of debris on the teeth. They are recommended as a support for a teeth whitening treatment performed in one of our dental centers such as Oxnard Dentist, Ventura Dentist, Port Hueneme Dentist, Santa Paula Dentist.