Do you brush horizontal or vertical? Do you brush your gums as well as your teeth? What is the best way to brush those pearly whites?
Well according to new research no one has yet determined the best way to brush teeth and the issue requires further investigation, according to a new study published in British Dental Journal.
The research was focused on determining the best method to recommend to dental groups and even toothpaste companies, as well the effectiveness of toothbrushing techniques. The research team assessed online material for toothbrushing methods as well as professional advice and even dental academic texts.
"There was a wide diversity between recommendations on toothbrushing techniques, how often people should brush their teeth and for how long," states the study abstract, nothing "there was a wide difference in the toothbrushing methods recommended for adults and for children."
The study, led by Aubrey Sheiham, professor emeritus of dental public health and co-author John Wainwright, determined a modified Bass technique is the most highly recommended. That is brushing horizontally in small circle motions. The original Bass technique is the second most recommended and involved brushing the gum area.
"The main finding from this study was the wide diversity between recommendations on toothbrushing techniques, how often people should brush their teeth and for how long," the authors wrote.
When it comes to how often to brush teeth the majority reported twice a day and only one expert suggested three times a day. The length of brushing time recommended most frequently was two to three minutes.
Such variation "should be a matter of concern for the dental profession and dental regulatory bodies. In an era of evidence-based dentistry, such a gap in knowledge is surprising," state the authors.
"Brush gently with a simple horizontal scrubbing motion, with the brush at a forty-five degree angle to get to the dental plaque," Sheiham said in a press release. "To avoid brushing too hard, hold the brush with a pencil grip rather than a fist. This simple method is perfectly effective at keeping your gums healthy."
