All About Implants

How To Properly Brush Your Teeth

12 February 2015 by Alfredo Moore

Brushing your teeth is probably something you have been doing for as long as you can remember, and maybe your parents started brushing your teeth at age two or earlier. It is likely that both your parents and childhood dentist showed you how to brush, and you are confident that you are doing a great job. But surprisingly enough, you may be missing some vital information and skills that will ensure you are brushing well enough to prevent decay. 

What do you need?

You surely have a toothbrush and toothpaste at home, and maybe even dental floss. But is that enough to keep your teeth healthy? Follow these tips to maximize the effectiveness of your brushing "tools":

1. Choose toothpaste with added fluoride to protect the strength and health of your teeth.
2. Use a pleasant-tasting mouthwash to flush food particles from between the teeth before or after brushing. Mouthwash also helps combat bad breath and eliminate bad bacteria in your mouth.
3. Buy a new toothbrush every three to four months to ensure that the bristles are fully effective. Also replace your toothbrush after any illness, because it will be full of harmful bacteria that could cause a secondary infection in your mouth or body.
4. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, and one that is big enough to reach every part of your mouth, and buy mouthwash and dental floss as added teeth care "tools".

What Should You Do?

1. Devote time to brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and for at least two minutes each time. Two minutes may feel like a long time when you are in a rush to get out the door in the morning, but that investment of time may prevent time and money spent later on dental treatment for caries and infections. Electric toothbrushes with two minute timers can make this self-care chore easier and more fun to complete.
2. Brush in a circular motion on every side of your teeth (inside, outside, and chewing surfaces), holding the bush at a 45 degree angle. It is ok to brush the inside of the front teeth with an up and down motion, but you should never use a back and forth scrubbing motion on your teeth. That can lead to gum recession and eventually expose the roots – which causes sensitivity.
3. Remember to brush your tongue in order to decrease bacteria that causes bad breath.
4. Floss once or twice a day, after brushing, to remove food particles between your teeth. If your gums bleed, don't give up. Keep flossing until they toughen up.

If you can make it a habit to brush your teeth well, while also eating a healthy diet and seeing your dentist twice a year for cleaning and examinations, the health of your teeth will be maximized. When your teeth look and feel better, you will tend to smile more, and that will make you look and feel better all over!

For more tips, be sure to contact local dentists.