Traditionally, human beings used toothbrushes from twigs to brush their teeth. They sometimes added some crushed abrasives such as salt, egg shells and charcoal to try and make their teeth clean. Toothpaste as we know it was first introduced in the 1800’s.
Today, we associate the tasty flavors that come with different types of toothpaste with the cleanness of our teeth and mouth. However, nothing could be further from the truth.Our mouth will feel and taste fresh after brushing with flavorful toothpaste, but this doesn’t always mean that it is clean.
Dry brushing is a very effective method of brushing your teeth. A majority of dentists has recommended it all over the globe. It ensures optimal oral health.
What is Dry Brushing?
In simple terms, dry brushing is brushing your teeth without using toothpaste or water. It may sound unappealing,but studies reveal that it is a more effective way of brushing teeth compared to brushing with water and toothpaste.
A study was conducted on 128 participants for a period of six months. The participants experienced a 67% reduction of plaque build-up and bleeding associated with gingivitis reduced by 50%.
Reasons Why You Should Do Dry Brushing
- You Will Brush Longer With no Toothpaste
A majority of people brush their teeth unconsciously without necessarily knowing exactly how they are doing it. 30 seconds may feel like a whole two minutes. However, when dry brushing your teeth, it may take you eight to ten minutes before you can dislodge a food particle from in between your teeth. In the process, this will help remove plaque and keep your teeth cleaner.
- You Will Brush Your Teeth More Evenly
Brushing with toothpaste results in a lot of bubbles and thus it becomes quite challenging for you to see what you are doing. This easily makes you miss some areas of your mouth. You will find yourself brushing your teeth more evenly during dry brushing.
- You, Will, Have a Way to Use Your Tongue and Measure Plaque
Toothpaste and other wetting agents have a way of numbing your tongue so that you can feel as if your mouth is clean. However, that may not always be the case. Dry brushing will help you feel areas that still have some plaque with your tongue.
Tips to Follow While Dry Brushing
- Start with a dry toothbrush: A toothbrush with some soft bristles will help remove sticky bacteria plaque more effectively compared to a wet one. You can soften the bristles before brushing by running your thumb through them.
- Position Your Toothbrush at a 45-degree angle: Brushing with a toothbrush positioned at a 45-degree angle will help you reach the plaque hiding near the gum line.
- Brush from Inside out: It is easy to miss plaque that is nearest to your tongue. So, start brushing from inside so that you can remove much of it as much as you can.
Bottom Line
Brushing your teeth is important for optimal oral health. It helps to prevent tooth decay and tooth loss. It is recommended that you dry brush so that you can keep plaque and tartar away from your mouth. By the way, you can still use water and toothpaste to brush your teeth but make sure you do it at a different time than when you dry brush.
If you have any questions or concerns about dry brushing, feel free to contact our dentists in Springvale. You can also contact our dentist in Keysborough if you happen to come from the suburb or its environs.
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