The way you brush your teeth can increase your risk of gum disease – dentists point out mistakes

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Bacterial infections in the mouth are associated with health consequences in other parts of the body. Inflammatory molecules produced by bacteria in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream and damage the brain and other organs. Gum disease can be prevented by maintaining good habits such as brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist.

Despite the widespread belief that good dental health is good, experts' opinions on how to do this, diverge A UCL study found that there is an “unacceptably wide range of advice” about how to brush your teeth properly.

No agreement could be found between methods proposed by toothpaste manufacturers, dental associations, medical textbooks and research papers.

Senior author Professor Aubrey Sheikham said:

“If people hear one thing from the Dental Association , another from the toothbrush manufacturer and another from their dentist, no wonder they don't understand how to brush their teeth. In this study, we found an unacceptably inconsistent set of advice from different sources.”

Lead author Dr. John Wainwright said:

“All too often I am asked why the method I describe differs from the way previous dentists taught them in the past.”

Dr. Wainwright's recommended method is to focus on the areas where plaque accumulates the most: the chewing surfaces and the base of the teeth, where they come into contact with the gums. Professor Sheikham advises using a simple horizontal brushing motion, holding the brush at a 45-degree angle. An angle of 45 degrees allows you to capture a larger amount of plaque.