Dental Terms

Dental Patient Education Resources

Brushing & toothpaste

Brushing and Toothpaste Nepean

Unlocking the Importance of Brushing

Discover the key to removing harmful plaque, that thin and sticky film of bacteria, from your teeth and gums. Regular and proper brushing is the single best way to maintain optimal oral hygiene.

Choosing the Right Brushing Technique

With numerous brushing techniques available, it's essential to find the one that suits your unique mouth, including your teeth alignment and gum condition. Consult with our dentists at Citigate Dental in Nepean to determine the most appropriate brushing technique for your oral health.

Generally, a circular brushing technique is recommended by most dentists. This approach involves brushing a small group of teeth at a time, ensuring comprehensive coverage of your entire mouth. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion, as it may lead to:

• Receding gum surfaces
• Exposed and tender root surfaces
• Wearing down of the gum line

Instead, follow our dentists's advice from Citigate Dental in Nepean:

• Step 1: Position the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle next to your teeth.
• Step 2: Gently brush a small group of teeth at a time using circular or elliptical motions, covering your entire mouth.
• Step 3: Brush the outer and inner surfaces of teeth, chewing surfaces, and the spaces between each tooth.
• Step 4: Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
• Step 5: Repeat steps 1 through 4 at least twice daily, particularly after meals and snacks.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

The ideal toothbrush features a small head, roughly 1 inch by 1/2 inch, with a handle that's easy to grasp firmly. Bristles should be soft, rounded at the ends, and made of nylon to ensure they reach between teeth and cover surfaces adequately. Avoid brushes with medium or hard bristles, as they can be abrasive and damage tooth enamel.

Establishing a Brushing Routine

For optimal oral health, it's generally recommended to brush at least twice a day for three to four minutes during each session. Many people mistakenly believe they brush long enough, when in reality, most spend less than one minute brushing. Instead, focus on thorough brushing twice daily, as it's more effective than quick, frequent brushing throughout the day.

our dentists at Citigate Dental in Nepean suggests incorporating brushing into your daily routine, whether at work, school, or play. Keeping a toothbrush accessible in your desk or backpack increases the likelihood of daytime brushing.

Understanding Toothpaste

Toothpaste, also known as dentifrice, consists of various cleaning ingredients in approximate percentages:

• Humectant and water - 75%
• Abrasive - 20%
• Foaming and flavoring agents - 2%
• pH buffers - 2%
• Coloring agents, binders, and opacifiers - 1.5%
• Fluoride - 0.24%

Facts About Toothpaste

Brushing with toothpaste, especially fluoride toothpaste, offers a range of benefits:

• Plaque removal
• Decay prevention
• Promotion of remineralization
• Teeth cleaning and polishing
• Stain removal
• Improved breath freshness

Choosing the Right Toothpaste

Fluoride is the primary ingredient to look for in toothpaste. The brand and type (paste, gel, or powder) are generally less critical as long as fluoride is included. All fluoride toothpastes effectively combat plaque, prevent cavities, and enhance enamel cleaning and polishing. Look for the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval on the toothpaste container, which signifies evidence of safety and efficacy proven in controlled clinical trials.

Some toothpaste varieties offer tartar control pyrophosphates to prevent soft calculus buildup, while others provide whitening formulas to safely remove stains and brighten teeth. However, fluoride remains the vital active ingredient for robust teeth protection.

Contact Citigate Dental for Your Dental Care in Nepean

If you're ready to prioritize your oral health with proper brushing techniques and the right toothpaste, schedule your appointment with our dentists at Citigate Dental by calling 613-440-4423. Our practice is conveniently located at 4285 Strandherd Drive, Unit #12 in Nepean, ON. Let us guide you towards a healthier smile.

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