How to Brush Your Teeth the Right Way
How you brush your teeth can make the difference in whether or not your teeth and gums end up clean and healthy, or irritated and diseased. Here is everything you need to know to brush your teeth the right way recommended by dental hygienists and dentists! Of course, regular dental checkups and care are always important so don’t miss your dentist appointments 🙂
Choose a Soft-Bristled Brush
If you use a brush with bristles that are too hard, you can damage your delicate gums – this can lead to receding and diseased gums. Avoid this by brushing gently with a brush that has soft bristles.
Hold the Toothbrush at the Right Angle
If you don’t hold your toothbrush at the right angle against your teeth, your brushing won’t be nearly as effective. For best results, hold your toothbrush at an angle of 45 degrees to your teeth. Start by aiming the bristles to the spot where your teeth go into your gums. Use a gentle, circular motion to brush away debris.
Brush Your Teeth the Right Way By Cleaning All Exposed Surfaces of Your Teeth
Be thorough when brushing your teeth and clean all exposed surfaces. To avoid accidentally missing an area, follow a system (but don’t be afraid to change it up either!) For example, you might start by cleaning the outside surfaces of your upper teeth, then the inside surfaces of your upper teeth, followed by the chewing surfaces of those same teeth. You can repeat this pattern with your bottom teeth.
Sometimes sticking to the exact same pattern can lead to missing the same spots over and over. You may find it helpful to switch the order or pattern that you use to brush your teeth from time to time – this keeps things fresh and helps to minimize the likelihood of developing poor habits that lead to missed areas.
Don’t Rush if You Want to Brush Your Teeth The Right Way
A good, thorough tooth brushing should take 2 or 3 minutes. Time yourself the next time you brush your teeth – are you brushing for long enough?
Get a New Toothbrush Every 3 Months
The bristles of your toothbrush will wear out with time. To get maximum cleaning power from your toothbrushing efforts, replace your brush every 3 months.
Brush Your Tongue
Your tongue can harbour many bacteria that contribute to tooth decay. Don’t forget to follow up your tooth brushing with a quick clean of your tongue.
Look for Trouble Spots
When brushing your teeth, keep an eye out for trouble that may signify a problem requiring a dentist’s attention and care. Examples of problems that you should report to your dentist include: loose adult teeth, bleeding gums, swelling of the gums, white or red patches in your mouth, mouth sores that don’t heal within one-and-a-half weeks, numb or sore spots in your mouth, sensitive teeth (common triggers of sensitivity include hot, cold, sweet foods, and pressure), a dry mouth, and bad breath that you can’t get rid of.
Learning How To Brush Your Teeth The Right Way is Easy
If you follow these simple tips and techniques, you’ll see that brushing your teeth the right way is ridiculously easy. Regular tooth brushing is one of the most important things you can do to maintain good oral health.
Have more questions about dental care and your oral health and live in the Oakville, Burlington or Milton area? The professionals at Reflections Dental would be pleased to help! Contact us today or visit our dental office.
