Daily habits like showering, getting dressed and brushing teeth become so routine that we often pay little attention to what we’re doing while we do them. Because these tasks become so second nature, we may often not pay close attention to how we brush our teeth, ignoring proper technique and the necessary tools we need to brush teeth effectively.
Fortunately, Cirocco Dental Center is here to provide you with a guide reminding you of brushing basics so you can maintain the best oral health possible by brushing (and flossing) your teeth twice a day.
Brush For At Least Two Minutes
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and do so for two whole minutes. You may think you have brushed your teeth for long enough, but if you’re not brushing them for 120 seconds you may not be cleaning your mouth of all the bacteria than can lead to tooth decay and oral diseases.
Brush All Tooth Surfaces
No part of the tooth should go unbrushed. You should brush every surface of your teeth — the inside surfaces, outside surfaces and chewing surfaces — while holding your toothbrush as a 45-degree angle. Additionally, don’t forget to brush your gums and your tongue, as bacteria builds up there as well, leading to bad breath and potential oral health problems if not cleaned.
Use A Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Soft-bristled toothbrushes are the best type for your teeth, as they clean away bacteria in the oral cavity without doing damage to teeth and gums. Hard- or firm-bristled toothbrushes actually do more harm than good, because they wear away tooth enamel and can harm your gums, making teeth more sensitive and susceptible to decay.
Use The Right Toothpaste For You
You should talk to your dentist about what toothpaste is best for you. They may recommend fluoride toothpaste to people of all ages to keep teeth healthy and strong. For others with oral health conditions or caries such as gingivitis, cavities or tooth sensitivity, they may recommend other types of toothpaste. Your dentist will be your best resource for determining the right toothpaste for your teeth.
Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
You should replace your toothbrush every three months unless it starts showing wear earlier than that. Then you should replace it as it begins to wear out. Toothbrushes should also be changed after you’ve been sick, as bristles can hold bacteria, viruses and other germs and cause you to be reinfected.
The Final Word
When brushing, pay attention to how you brush your teeth and make sure you are brushing for the recommended period of time. Frequent brushing for periods of two minutes or longer can decrease the risk of bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and other oral health conditions.
