Dental Experts Release New Brushing Tips To Avoid Confusion
Dental experts have released new advice for brushing the teeth after it emerged that people were confused by different sets of tips and muddled information.
According to researchers, there were five different sets of instructions featured in textbooks, as well as conflicting information provided by dentists. In response to this, researchers from University College London have published a new study, which has been published in the British Dental Journal.
Emeritus Professor of Dental Public Health at University College London, Aubrey Sheiham, said that it is essential that the public has access to “sound advice” about ho to brush the teeth properly and this new study provides detailed, but simple instructions, to achieve the perfect clean.
In the past, patients have been given tips on holding the brush, performing circular motions, choosing a brush head and angling the brush head, but Professor Sheiham stated that it is counter-productive for people to receive different instructions and it is not surprising that so many people admit that they are not sure if they brush their teeth properly.
The new study encourages patients to use a pen-like grip to avoid brushing too hard and to use simple brushing strokes, which go backward and forward, rather than complicated circular motions. The brush head should be angled at 45 degrees to target plaque and it’s best to use a small head, as they are easier to move around the mouth.
Professor Sheiham said that it’s worrying that there is so much information out there, which could be potentially damaging for the public and stated that she hopes that the new guidelines will help patients to feel more comfortable and confident when they brush.
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