Can Taking Selfies While Brushing Improve Oral Health Skills?

While it may sound unusual, there is a chance that recording one’s self while brushing teeth can help a person practice better brushing methods, as per a study published in August 2016. Techniques vary regarding how to brush, and since it’s something that isn’t monitored closely, it may be hard to understand what you are doing wrong—something that could change with a recorded picture or video.

During the study, participants’ teeth-brushing was monitored closely in their homes with smartphones and corrected until they began demonstrating proper technique. "Often, tooth-brushing is learned and practiced without proper supervision," said Dr. Lance T. Vernon, a senior instructor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. "Changing tooth brushing behaviors — which are ingrained habits tied to muscle memory — can take a lot of time and guidance. Our study suggests that, in the future, recording these selfies can help shift some of this time investment in improving brushing to technology. Patients can then receive feedback from dental professionals."

Researchers noticed an improvement in proper brush strokes and overall brushing skill, with the length of time each person brushed not changing. By recording themselves in the process, the participants disrupted ingrained habits and made more conscious efforts to change their brushing habits. This provides brushers a chance to really see what they are doing right and what they can work on.

Teeth should be brushed twice a day with a soft-bristled brush that can reach all areas easily and, if possible, has a tongue scraper. Also, it’s best to get into the habit of replacing brushes every 3-4 months. Replacing toothbrushes regularly makes it easier to maintain an effective cleaning routine. Worn or frayed bristles cannot properly clean teeth and gums. If a brush is worn down before the three-month mark, replace it anyway and try to get in the habit of brushing gently. Brushing too hard or with harder bristles can damage enamel as well as the tissue around gums.

While brushing, be sure to move the brush back and forth in short strokes, brushing both the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth. When cleaning the inside, tilt the brush vertically and make several up and down strokes with fluoride toothpaste. Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth to prevent plaque and cavities. By doing all of this, you are changing ingrained habits, which can help you improve memory formation and create new muscle memory, thereby strengthening your oral health care routine. Overall, bettering oral health skills is beneficial to your brain as well as your teeth.