As we all know, oral health is closely linked to general‑body health. Proper, effective and scientific tooth‑brushing can effectively remove dental plaque and prevent oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal diseases. Therefore, dentists often advise patients to brush their teeth thoroughly morning and night. Brushing teeth twice daily applies to people of all age groups.
After every meal, food residues remain in the mouth. If not removed in a timely manner, they may trigger bacterial growth, further accumulation of dental plaque, and eventually lead to tartar formation. Tooth‑brushing is the most economical and effective daily method recommended by dentists to remove plaque and maintain oral health.
Different Brushing Methods for Different Ages
Fones (Circular) Brushing Method: Parents are advised to teach children aged 3‑4 years old to use the Fones brushing method. Key points: Place toothbrush bristles against tooth surfaces, apply gentle pressure to slightly bend bristles, then make circular motions over tooth surfaces, repeating each area more than 5 times. For the lingual surfaces of upper and lower anterior teeth, hold the toothbrush vertically. Clean all tooth surfaces, including buccal/labial (outer surfaces), lingual (inner surfaces) and occlusal surfaces. Note: Young children have limited self‑control; good brushing habits should be gradually developed under parental supervision.
Bass Brushing Method: Recommended for children above 4 years old, adolescents and adults. Specific steps: Tilt toothbrush bristles at a 45° angle toward the gingival crevice between teeth and gums. Apply light pressure so bristles sit slightly inside gingival sulcus. Group 2‑3 teeth at a time, vibrate the toothbrush horizontally in small back‑and‑forth movements about 5 times, then sweep bristles along the tooth‑eruption direction over tooth sides to complete one cycle. One cycle consists of 5 vibrations plus 1 sweep. Then move sequentially from one side of the dentition to the other.
Please note: Brush teeth twice daily, morning and night, for no less than 2 minutes each time; replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
Special Brushing Considerations for Special Groups
With growing public awareness of oral‑health care, some children, adolescents and even adults wear orthodontic appliances. Orthodontic appliances fall into three categories: removable orthodontic appliances, fixed orthodontic appliances and clear aligners. For those wearing removable appliances or clear aligners, remove the appliance and perform the Bass brushing method.
Wearers of fixed orthodontic appliances face extra brushing challenges because brackets are bonded firmly to teeth. Extra‑care cleaning is required. Food debris and dental plaque easily accumulate beneath archwires, around brackets and along gingival margins — these areas demand focused cleaning. A small‑head soft‑bristle toothbrush or orthodontic‑special toothbrush is recommended. Technique: Tilt the toothbrush at a 45° angle against upper and lower surfaces of brackets, reaching underneath and above archwires for bristle vibration. Use appropriately‑sized interdental brushes for front‑and‑back bracket surfaces. Apply the Bass brushing method for tooth surfaces near the gumline.
Elderly people are prone to root‑surface caries and frequently suffer tooth loss. Nevertheless, every remaining natural tooth in the mouth requires thorough cleaning. Choose appropriate interproximal‑cleaning tools according to gap width: dental floss for narrow gaps and interdental brushes for wider gaps. Follow with an oral irrigator (water flosser), then finish with tooth‑brushing.
Older adults wearing dentures (fixed or removable) also need daily cleaning and maintenance. Remove removable dentures for cleaning after every meal; take them out before bedtime and soak in cold water. Soak periodically with denture cleanser. Rinse thoroughly the next day; scrub with a toothbrush if surface contamination persists. Poor long‑term hygiene may trigger fungal infections.
For patients with dental implants, observe the following cleaning points: Insert interdental brushes from buccal and lingual sides into interdental spaces to clean proximal crown surfaces; single‑tufted brushes are also applicable. Clean gingival sulcus areas with dental floss or bridge floss. Use an oral irrigator to rinse interdental spaces before regular tooth‑brushing.
For contact zones between crowns/bridge pontics and mucosa, clean with dental floss or bridge floss, rinse interproximal spaces with an oral irrigator, and finish with tooth‑brushing.
Please bear in mind that oral health constitutes a vital component of general‑body health. Dental caries and periodontal diseases are bacterial infectious diseases that may harm systemic wellness and quality of life. The impacts of systemic diseases upon oral health should also not be overlooked; many systemic illnesses produce corresponding oral manifestations. For instance, diabetes and periodontal disease interact closely with each other. Accordingly, elderly individuals shall maintain sound oral hygiene and actively treat systemic disorders. Everyone should receive regular oral examinations in medical facilities to remove accumulated tartar and plaque, deliver targeted therapy for defective intraoral restorations, and strive for early detection, early diagnosis and early intervention.
A well‑balanced diet with reduced sugar intake and less frequent consumption of sweets, plus plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, facilitates tooth self‑cleaning. In addition, tobacco cessation and alcohol moderation benefit oral health. May everyone brush teeth conscientiously for lifelong dental wellness.