There are plenty of practices that can be implemented each to maintain good dental health that often get ignored. It’s highly recommended that you floss your teeth each day, brush after meals and consumer teeth-staining foods in moderation. If you decide to forego that advice, then it’s even more importance that you brush your teeth properly each day. But even regardless of your other dental habits, using proper tools and techniques when brushing your teeth are are essential to maintaining good dental health and avoiding painful, expensive gum diseases in the future.
The next time you brush your teeth — which should be hopefully be at least the second time today — be sure to remember the following suggestions for brushing your teeth to ensure you have the best oral health possible.
Tooth Tips
Brush All Chewing Surfaces
Food and drink residue can get stuck in nearly any location in between teeth. That means it’s not good enough to just brush the front of your teeth where people see your smile. All chewing surfaces should be brushed each day, including the fronts, backs and bottoms of each tooth, as should your gums, tongue and any other area that comes into contact with food and beverages. This will ensure that your mouth will be as clean as possible and reduce the chances of disease.
Don’t Use Worn Toothbrushes
To put it simply, old, worn toothbrushes are ineffective. Brushes with worn-out bristles are unable to get into the tiny cracks and crevices between your teeth, which allows plaque and residue to fester in your mouth. To make sure your toothbrush is completely cleaning your teeth and gums, replace it every three to four months.
Don’t Use A Toothbrush That’s Too Hard
Worn toothbrushes damage your teeth, but toothbrushes with bristles that are too hard can damage your teeth by wearing down the structure. Brushes with soft bristles are just as effective without any risks of tooth damage.
Brush Twice A Day
Many people are guilty of this, only brushing their teeth once a day. Even if you never go a day without brushing, your teeth need to be brushed AT LEAST twice each day. Brushing twice a day reduces tooth stains, the risk for gum disease and bad breath, so be sure to brush your teeth twice each day at the very minimum.
Use Proper Technique
Do you hold your toothbrush at a 90-degree angle when brushing? If so, you might not be brushing as well as you could be. You should brush your teeth with your brush at a 45-degree angle with short, tooth-length strokes for maximum effect. Additionally, you should brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time. If you don’t do that, consider setting a timer to help.
The Final Word
There are numerous dental health practices that can help keep your teeth as strong and white as possible, but it’s important to maintain proper brushing habits, as proper tooth brushing habits are the cornerstone to a healthy mouth and healthy smile.
