For Adults

The most basic interceptive application of the dentistry in adults is to ensure the “correct” brushing of the teeth.

Unfortunately, the reason why we write “correct” in quotation marks is that today many people apply to the clinics with problems related to the incorrect brushing.

Although it is considered to be known to everyone and/or assumed to be known, unfortunately the “correct” brushing is still not fully known by the vast majority; it is a non-negligible fact that the cosmetic expectations and aesthetic satisfactions cause people to do mistakes in brushing the teeth.

How can I brush my teeth correctly?

Before brushing the teeth, the toothbrush should not be wet and the brushing should be started with a dry toothbrush.

On the anterior and posterior surfaces (surfaces facing the lip, cheek, tongue and palate), the toothbrush is placed at an angle of 45 degrees at the junction of the tooth and gingiva and is moved 8 times circularly towards the tooth from the gingiva. Following this movement, the brush is advanced by a length of brush, and the circular movement is repeated.

The chewing surfaces are brushed with back and forth movements, not circular movements.
When the teeth brushing process is completed, the tongue surface should also be brushed.

How often should I brush my teeth?

The teeth should be brushed at least 2 times a day. A correct tooth brushing takes at least 2 minutes in an adult.

Which toothbrush should I use?
You should be examined by your dentist to be able to “correctly” determine which toothbrush is right for you. You may not be able to perform the necessary operations with a softer toothbrush than it should be, or you may damage your teeth with a harder toothbrush.

How the toothbrush can be cleaned?

When the brushing process is completed, the toothbrush is rinsed with plenty of water, the toothbrush is cleaned so that there is no paste residue between the bristles or at the base of the bristles. The toothbrush is left to dry in an upright position. The teeth should not be brushed with a wet or moist brush. In this regard, it would be more useful to have 2 toothbrushes.

The toothbrush should be renewed after all bacterial and viral infections.

How often is the toothbrush changed?

The toothbrush should be changed every 3 months at most. If the bristles splay, then it means that your brush has completed its lifetime. Today, some toothbrushes are formed by the toothbrush bristles having indicators, so when they complete their lifetime, they warn the user by changing their color.

Which toothpaste should I use?
You can learn the most suitable toothpaste for you by consulting your dentist.

Is only brushing your teeth enough to protect you from the caries and gingival diseases?

Teeth brushing cannot remove all plaques and food residues on the interface of the teeth. In addition to teeth brushing, the use of a dental floss, an interdental brush and a water flosser which are the supportive treatments, is required. Effective supportive treatments will be sufficient once a day.

How to use a dental floss?

A dental floss is used by winding it on the middle finger of both hands and guiding it through the thumb and index fingers. Smooth and controlled movements should be done during use. Hard and sudden movements should be avoided.

What is an interdental brush?

In the selection of an interdental brush, the products of a size which may allow the brush to passively pass through two teeth and which will not harm both the adjacent teeth and the gingiva should be preferred. Before getting the correct interdental brush, you should visit your dentist and use a product recommended by your dentist. The interdental brush is mostly used around the crowns over implant, at the interfaces of the crown-bridge prosthesis, and around the orthodontic brackets, where an effective cleaning with a dental floss is not possible and there is an accumulation of food residues due to the gum recession.

How is an interdental brush used?

The interdental brush is passively positioned between the tooth and just above the gingiva. It is first withdrawn by abutting against one of the adjacent teeth. Then the brush surface is cleaned with water. Then the same application is repeated for the other adjacent tooth. In the areas which are hard to access, the brush tip can be curled a little, or a long-handled interdental brush may be preferred.

What is a water flosser?

A water flosser is an oral care product that sprays liquid between the teeth using compressed air. The liquids may be added to the liquid reservoir, such as water, chlorhexidine mouthwash, zinc-containing mouthwash etc. The water flosser is never an alternative to the applications such as dental floss and interdental brush; it is a supportive product for these applications.