Brushing teeth?

Question

Is it better to brush left-right (horizontal) or up-down (vertical)?

i didn't wanna waste another 5 points so here is question 2:

What toothpaste do u reccomend for ultimate teeth whiteness?

Answer 1

left to right, from gum to tip.

I'm using Crest Vivid White as I type. It really works! And it tastes good.

p.s. am also using Crest Whiteneing Strips. Already noticing a difference.

Answer 2

I have been both a dental and a periodontal (gum specialist) nurse for years, and all the dentists I have worked for recommend small circular motions with a soft bristled brush. This should be angled into the gums on the inside and outside surfaces to get the best clean below the gum line as well as above. The circular motion includes up and down and left to right motions, so attacks the plaque (bacteria) from all possible angles. You should also floss daily, as you brush can't reach between your teeth, and plenty of bacteria accumulate there each day.

As for whitening toothpaste, I have never seen one that makes a considerable difference. A lot of whitening toothpastes have abrasives to lift stain from your teeth, but this also removes the enamel over time leading to more cavities and stains due to less protection of the dentin (the underneath layer). The best way to whiten teeth is in-office whitening, particularly using lasers. I have seen some stunning results from laser whitening, but even this system requires maintenance and can be quite costly.

If you have staining problems, see your dentist about a clean and polish first, as this will easily and cheaply remove superficial stains (red wine, coffee etc.) if they haven't been there long. Other than that, ask him or her about whitening. And avoid staining substances such as coffee, tea, red wine and cigarettes.

Answer 3

Up and down vertical, because that stimulates your gums which is critical to long term dental health.

I've not found a whitening toothpaste that actually works. I've tried a few, but I haven't looked that hard. Your dentist has some things that truly work for this. The only tooth whitening toothpaste that even makes sense would contain titanium dioxide (there are a few out there) and it would probably require continuous use. If you are a coffee drinker like me, forget it and live with stained teeth.

Answer 4

Bella's Mum is 100% correct so I'm not going to retype everything she said. I would just like to add that whitening toothpastes do not actually whiten your teeth... at best, they may remove some of the extrinsic stains on your teeth caused by such things as smoking and drinking dark beverages like coffee, tea and soda. I would not recommend using any whitening toothpaste as they are very abrasive and could potentially harm the enamel of the teeth. Use a toothpaste such as Crest or Colgate that is ADA approved.

Answer 5

Brush in small circles, starting at the gumline, working toward the center. Don't forget the very back molars, the backs of the front teeth.

For ultimate whiteness, my dentist recommends the Sonicare toothbrush (this isn't a gimmick; it really works!), daily flossing, and Crest toothpaste (which I alternate with Aquafresh for variety). Following this regimen has resulted in nice, white teeth and healthy gums for both my family and me.

Answer 6

Up-down so you're also stimulating the gums. You can also use a Butler toothbrush--it has a rubber pointed tip so you can massage the spaces between teeth as well. And of course, floss daily!

As for toothpaste, I use Colgate Whitening for sensitive teeth. At some point I'll probably also use a whitening rinse, but right now I use Listerine.

Answer 7

Brush only in circles expect when brushing the occlusal (surface of teeth) on molars, then brush anyway that gets them clean.
I would use Crest Whitening. Recommended by the Dr I work for. Or get Crest White strips.

Answer 8

I never brush and my teeth are beautiful. The sugar in toothpaste will rot your teeth. You r better off not brushing at all. Dental care is just a way for people to make money. We are not born with a tooth brush and paste.

Answer 9

i always heard up and down, its the hardest way but it helps get stuff between in the teeth instead of pushing it between other teeth.

Colgate is good use it especially at night and you'll wake up to a whiter smile, no joke, but be careful of drinking pop through a can or bottle without a straw, u could ruin the whiteness. and brish in the morning. dont brush too hard, because ur gums will bleed and its not fun

Answer 10

WOW - YOU HAVE GOOD TIMING! ********

This upcoming Consumer Reports (Aug 2006) did a report on this. They say Ultra Brite is the most whitening eventhough its one of the least expensive (UltraBrite doesnt advertise). Im a member so I dont know if you can see this rating link or not.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health-fitness/beauty-personal-care/toothpaste-8-06/ratings/0608_toothpaste_ratings.htm
Here is the article
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health-fitness/beauty-personal-care/toothpaste-8-06/overview/0608_toothpaste_ov_1.htm


Always up and down but if thats tiring, dentist says a soft circular motion.