You know by now that brushing your teeth regularly is essential for good oral health, but do you know the right way to brush? In today’s blog, we are bringing you some important reminders about the right way to brush your teeth. Keep reading to learn more!
Start With A Good Foundation
If you don’t have the right tools, it will be difficult to brush your teeth effectively. Start by choosing the right toothbrush — and try not to get overwhelmed at the wall of options you have at the store. Unless your dentist recommends otherwise, soft bristles are the way to go. It may seem that hard bristles would clean better, but in reality, hard bristles can do more harm than good, even causing receding gum lines and worn down enamel.
Find a toothbrush that is comfortable to hold and able to reach all parts of your mouth. This means that people with smaller mouths may want to choose toothbrushes with smaller heads. As far as electric toothbrushes go, these are completely fine and may even help some people to clean their teeth more effectively.
For toothpaste, most people with normal oral health will want to choose a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities. If you have issues with your oral health, sensitive teeth, staining, or other dental conditions, it is best to ask your dentist for toothpaste recommendations.
Correct Teeth Brushing Technique
Begin by holding the brush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth, angled towards the gums. Rather than scrubbing back and forth, move the brush in an up-and-down circular motion over each tooth. Think of brushing more like ‘massaging’ and less like ‘scrubbing.’ The angle of the brush and the gentle motions are important for cleaning not only the exposed part of the tooth, but under the gumline as well where bacteria can hide and cause serious problems.
Take your time when you brush. It is important to remember that you have essentially three exposed surfaces for every tooth: the cheek side, the tongue side, and the chewing surface. The most neglected surface is often the tongue side, likely because it takes a little more effort to brush. However, be sure to brush for at least two minutes at least twice a day. This will help agitate and rinse away any pesky food or bacteria that are lingering on your teeth.
At least once per day, clean between your teeth. Because the toothbrush cannot reach this area, it is imperative that you find another method of cleaning. Using dental floss or water picks are a great way to do this. See our blog on the right way to floss for more information!
See Your Dentist Twice A Year
Even if you follow these brushing and flossing tips to a T, there is still a possibility that infections, gum disease, cavities, or other dental issues may arise. The best way to prevent serious dental problems is to both follow a good daily oral hygiene routine and see your dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning and examination.
With two convenient locations, our dentists are never far away. Get in touch with the dental office nearest you today to schedule a routine examination and cleaning.
