How to Brush Your Teeth the Proper Way
Brushing your teeth is not only essential to healthy teeth and gums but to your overall health, and the American Dental Association advises that you do it twice a day: once in the morning and again at night. But many people do not know the proper brushing technique or are not aware such a thing even exists.
To care for your teeth the proper way, you should:
Select the right toothbrush.
It all starts with your toothbrush selection, and a bad choice can make the task tougher and even undermine your dental health. The general recommendation from the ADA is a soft-bristled brush and a head small enough to make use in those hard-to-reach spaces easier. Be mindful that your dentist may make recommendations that are personalized to you, and you should, of course, heed them!
Take your time.
Most people surveyed believe that they brush long enough but actually do not. The ADA recommendation is 2-3 minutes, and the average person brushes for 60-75 seconds. Some electric toothbrushes have timers in order to help you reach this mark, or brush to your favorite three-minute song. Eventually, you will acclimate, and your internal clock will work in your favor.
Brush each tooth thoroughly.
The ADA recommends that you hold the brush at a 45-degree angle. This helps to ensure that you brush the crowns as you brush the exterior and interior surfaces. Give those chewing surfaces a little extra attention, and be sure that you brush all of the exposed surfaces of each and every tooth.
Be gentle.
Brushing too hard is among the most common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth. There is no need to scrub. A gentle motion is enough to agitate plaque. Being slow and precise also helps to ensure that you do not damage your gums or the other soft tissues in your mouth. Use a back-and-forth motion, and you should aim to cover the entire area you are trying to brush with each stroke.
Brush your tongue.
Your tongue harbors bacteria just like teeth and gums. Brushing your tongue helps to ensure good oral health and freshen your breath. A tongue scraper can make this task simpler and faster.
Brush Well
Using proper brushing technique after breakfast and before you go to bed is crucial to good oral health. But proper and regular brushing is no substitute for visiting your dentist twice a year. Jeffrey D. Clark, DDS, can perform a comprehensive cleaning and checkup as well as provide personalized advice concerning your brushing and other aspects of at-home oral hygiene. Schedule your visit with Dr. Clark at Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry Excellence today by calling us at 480 585 1853.
