- Tooth brushing is the most common form of oral hygiene practice but many people do not know the right way to brush teeth.
- Many brush their teeth 30 seconds or less, falling short of the recommended two to three minutes.
People will always ask how often one should brush their teeth but rarely about the right way to do it.
Tooth brushing is the most common form of oral hygiene practice but many people do not know the right way to brush teeth.
“Repercussions of poor dental care are severe and include severe gum infections pain as well as degraded school performance in children,” Andrew Wetende, a specialist periodontal and implant surgeon said.
Wetende is also the former Kenya Dental Association chairman warned.
Dentists insist that proper tooth brushing techniques can help one avoid oral diseases like cavities and gum disease.
They however, say many are oblivious to proper tooth brushing techniques and employ wrong methods, which result to their teeth getting broken.
Dentists caution against brushing straight up and down or side-to-side.
They recommend brushing in a circular motion with the toothbrush inserted at a 45-degree angle.
The argument is that this helps remove bacteria and food particles trapped beneath your gum line.
Also, many brush their teeth 30 seconds or less, falling short of the recommended two to three minutes.
Regular brushing of two to three minutes, two to three times a day is seen as best to eliminate bacteria in the mouth.
However, brushing too much is also not healthy.
Dentists warn that brushing for long periods and too often can erode the tooth enamel and can cause tooth sensitivity.
Most people also use the wrong kind of brush for their teeth.
The brush should be comfortable, not be too big or too small. A tooth brush with hard and stiff bristles can hurt the gums.
Also, replace your tooth brush regularly. After three to four months, a tooth brush loses its effectiveness.
Skipping the inside of your teeth can also be harmful because plaque can grow on the any tooth surface, including the inside ones.
A quick brush of the tongue is also necessary. It helps kill bacteria that live on the tongue and helps freshen up your breath.
Dentists also warn against not rinsing your toothbrush after you’re done. One should not leave the bacteria has just scraped off the teeth and tongue inside the mouth.
Last year, the Ministry of Health launched the National Oral Health Policy 2022-2030 and the first National Oral Health Strategic Plan 2022-2026.
The five-year strategic plan will guide the implementation of the policy aimed at improving the oral health status of Kenyans.
The 2015 Kenya Oral Health Survey revealed that one in every two children aged five suffers from tooth decay.
It also revealed that only 43 per cent of Kenyans brushed their teeth once a day.
A further nine per cent brushed their teeth barely two to six times per week, and four per cent said they had never brushed their teeth.