What is the required pressure when brushing teeth?
Dentist Julia Thome from Cologne's Carree Dental clinic offers valuable advice on maintaining good oral hygiene, particularly when it comes to brushing your teeth. Here's a summary of her recommended technique:
According to Thome, the ideal pressure for brushing teeth is not aggressive and does not require excessive force. Instead, use gentle pressure while brushing; pressing too hard can damage gums and enamel. The ideal pressure is light enough to avoid gum irritation but firm enough to clean plaque effectively.
To ensure you're applying the right amount of pressure, an unusual helper could be a kitchen or postal scale. By pressing the toothbrush onto the scale, you can determine that the pressure is between 100 to 150 grams.
When brushing, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Use short, gentle back-and-forth strokes or small circular motions to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of all teeth. Thome recommends small, shaking movements for removing plaque and food residue, especially towards the chewing surface.
Brushing for about two minutes, twice a day, is crucial. Don't forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and replacing it every 3-4 months is also important. Aggressive tooth brushing can lead to gum recession, which is something to avoid.
This guidance aligns with standard dental recommendations globally. For the most precise and personalized advice, consulting a dental professional directly or their published materials would be best.
In the realm of health-and-wellness, following science-backed techniques for oral hygiene, such as those suggested by dentist Julia Thome, can significantly improve oral health. By using a light yet firm pressure when brushing teeth, mimicking the weight between 100 to 150 grams according to a kitchen or postal scale, one can avoid damaging gums and enamel while effectively removing plaque. Furthermore, incorporating regularly scheduled consultation with a dental professional, like Thome at the Carree Dental clinic, can provide personalized service that further enhances one's health-and-wellness routine.
