Maintaining oral health is crucial for our overall well-being. Proper brushing of teeth is the foundation for maintaining oral health.

1、 Selection of Toothbrush

Choosing a toothbrush that suits oneself is the first step in brushing teeth correctly. Here are some key points for choosing a toothbrush:

1. Brush bristle hardness: The bristle hardness of a toothbrush is generally divided into soft bristles, medium bristles, and hard bristles. Most dentists recommend using soft bristled bristles because they are softer and can better clean the surface of teeth without causing damage to teeth and gums.

2. Brush head size: The brush head size of a toothbrush should be suitable for the size of an individual's mouth. Generally speaking, the width of an adult's brush head should be between 2.5-3.5 centimeters.

3. Brush handle design: The brush handle should be easy to grip, making it convenient to control the force and angle of brushing teeth. Choosing a toothbrush with anti slip design on the handle can better control the force of brushing.

4. Electric toothbrush: For some special situations, such as inconvenient hand functions or the need for additional cleaning effects, an electric toothbrush is a good choice. They usually provide better cleaning results, but at a higher price.

2、 Correct brushing techniques

After choosing the appropriate toothbrush, we need to learn the correct brushing techniques to ensure that our teeth and gums are properly cleaned. Here are the correct brushing techniques:

1. Choose the right toothpaste: Toothpaste should contain an appropriate amount of fluoride, which can effectively prevent tooth decay. When squeezing toothpaste, just use pea sized toothpaste.

2. Correct brushing posture: Place the toothbrush head at the junction of teeth and gums, brushing teeth at a 45 degree angle. Use small and gentle circular movements to ensure that every tooth is brushed. Also, don't forget to brush your teeth on the inside and occlusal surface.

3. Appropriate intensity and timing: Do not use too much force when brushing your teeth to avoid damaging your teeth and gums. Brushing teeth should last for 2-3 minutes, at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

4. Tongue cleaning: After brushing your teeth, don't forget to clean your tongue. Gently brush the back of the tongue or toothbrush to remove tongue coating and bad breath.

3、 Other precautions

In addition to proper brushing techniques, there are some other precautions we need to pay attention to:

1. Regularly replace the toothbrush: The bristles of the toothbrush will become worn out over time, losing its cleaning effect. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles begin to split or deform.

2. Avoid excessive force: brushing teeth with excessive force can cause enamel wear and gum recession. So it's important to maintain moderate intensity and brush your teeth gently.

3. Use dental floss and mouthwash: Brushing teeth cannot thoroughly clean bacteria and food residue between teeth. Using dental floss and mouthwash can clean the mouth more comprehensively.

4. Regular visits to the dentist: Regular checkups and cleaning are important steps in maintaining oral health. Dentists can help us identify potential issues and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.

Proper brushing is the foundation of maintaining oral health, and choosing the right toothbrush and mastering the correct brushing techniques are crucial. By developing good oral hygiene habits, we can prevent oral problems such as tooth decay and periodontal disease, and maintain healthy teeth and gums. Remember to brush your teeth every morning and evening, maintain a smile while also protecting our health.