Are You Brushing Your Teeth Properly? The Method Recommended by Nonhyeon-dong Dental Clinic

Hello, this is Lucid Dental Clinic.

Are you brushing your teeth three times a day, as recommended?

It’s easy to think, “Brushing is something I do every day, so I must be doing it well.”

But more people than you might expect are diligent about the habit of brushing,

while still using the wrong method.

So today, the Nonhyeon-dong dental clinic will explain the proper way to brush

your teeth in detail.

By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll likely feel that if you brush

properly, even just that one habit can greatly reduce worries about cavities and gum disease.

So now, let us explain the correct way to brush.

Why is brushing important?

Brushing is not simply an act that makes your mouth feel fresh.

It is the most basic method of oral care for controlling the number of bacteria in the mouth and removing plaque, which causes cavities and gum disease.

Even if you brush three times a day,

if you do not do it properly, plaque will remain,

which can then lead to cavities or periodontitis.

In fact, among patients who visit the Nonhyeon-dong dental clinic,

there are many cases of cavities or gum inflammation even though they brushed three times a day.

The reason is mostly that their brushing habit was merely superficial.

Proper oral hygiene habits

It is difficult to clean all the way between the teeth with brushing alone, so it is a good idea to use dental floss or interdental brushes together.

▪Dental floss: removes food debris between teeth ▪Interdental brush: recommended when you have periodontitis or wider spaces between teeth ▪Oral irrigator: additionally recommended during orthodontic treatment or after implant procedures

When and how often should you brush?

1. 30 minutes after meals Especially after eating acidic foods, it is better to wait before brushing.

2. Brushing before bed is essential While you sleep, saliva production decreases, making it easier for bacteria to multiply. Don’t miss brushing before bedtime.

3. Brushing three times a day is ideal But if you do not have time, make sure to brush in the morning and before bed, and at least use mouthwash after lunch.

Choosing the right toothbrush also matters

▪If the bristles are too hard, they may damage the gums ▪In general, a soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended ▪If you have a small mouth or a small oral structure, choose a toothbrush with a small head ▪An electric toothbrush is also good, but it only works well if you know how to use it properly.

For patients who visit Nonhyeon-dong dental clinic,

we also recommend a personalized toothbrush depending on the shape of the teeth and the condition of the gums.

Rather than saying one product is always the best,

the toothbrush and brushing method that suit each individual are far more important.

Things to watch out for when brushing

1. Don’t keep brushing time too short Many people just finish in 30 seconds to 1 minute. It is better to brush for at least 2 minutes, dividing the mouth into sections.

2. Don’t brush too hard You may think scrubbing strongly will make your teeth cleaner, but excessive pressure can actually damage the gums.

3. Avoid brushing immediately after eating Especially right after consuming acidic foods (fruit juice, coffee, etc.), the tooth surface is weakened, so brushing right away can wear down the enamel more easily.

It is better to brush after at least 20 to 30 minutes.

4. Check the condition of your toothbrush A toothbrush with frayed bristles or one used for more than 2 months has reduced cleaning ability and a higher chance of bacterial growth.

It is ideal to replace it once every one to two months.

How should you brush properly?

The brushing method most often taught at Nonhyeon-dong dental clinic is the “rotational method.” Try following the steps below!

1. Toothbrush angle Place the toothbrush at about a 45-degree angle between the teeth and gums.

2. Short, gentle movements Rather than large motions, it is important to brush with short, gentle circular and up-and-down movements.

3. Brush in order Divide the teeth into sections and brush in this order: front teeth → outer sides of the molars → inner sides → chewing surfaces. This way, you can care for the entire mouth without missing any areas.

4. Be sure to brush your tongue too There are many bacteria on the tongue as well. At the end of brushing, gently cleaning the tongue with a tongue cleaner or the back of a toothbrush is also good for preventing bad breath.

Brushing is a daily habit that everyone has,

but not many people understand it properly and practice it well.

When it comes to dental health, prevention is much easier and more effective than treatment.

Lucid Dental Clinic in Nonhyeon-dong provides proper brushing guidance

along with oral hygiene education, and carefully helps patients from the very basics of dental health.

If your brushing habit has so far been something you do “unconsciously,”

try paying a little more attention starting today.

One small change can help prevent cavities, periodontitis, and even bad breath.

Why not start again with brushing tonight?

Lucid Dental Clinic 3rd–4th floors, Coway Building, 606 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul