What is the best way to brush your teeth?

To prevent cavities, gingivitis and other oral diseases, it is essential to brush your teeth. Yes but how? The recommendations in this area change over the years and the controversy rages over whether two minutes is sufficient or if you really have to brush for three full minutes. Even among scientists, the frequency of brushing is also discussed – 2 or 3 times a day? Last year, the French Union for Oral Health (UFSBD) finally ruled that 2 times is enough since bacteria takes at least 12 hours to relocate in our teeth. And let’s not even start about the battle between conventional and electric toothbrushes…

According to researchers at the University College of London, it’s time to stop throwing mixed signals. Because, according to them, the recommendations provided by associations and manufacturers of toothpaste are too vague. Here are their recommendations, clear and simple (well almost).

Brushing your teeth with horizontal or vertical movements?

In fact, neither one nor the other. The ultimate method would be to tilt the bristles at 45 degrees and go slowly so you do not skip any tooth. And be careful not to press too hard, as you could alter the tooth enamel: Better keep your toothbrush like a pen, hold it with the flexible wrist and release it.

Focus on simplicity

For the rest of the process, no need to complicate life. “No complex method has shown a real superiority over a circular and gentle brushing method” admit the authors of the study, who also state that no tooth should be left out, particularly at the junction with the gum. Although they agree that two brushings a day are enough, they do not specify a minimum duration for each. Once we’ve gone around the entire mouth, then we stop. Simple.

Maureen DIAMENT