The first step to having healthy dental teeth numbers is to brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth is the most effective way to remove bacteria from your mouth, which reduces bad breath and prevents cavities and gum disease. Here are six steps you can take to make sure you are brushing properly and getting the most out of each tooth brushing session.
The Importance of Brushing
Brushing your teeth is key to healthy gums and teeth. It removes plaque, a thin layer of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease by getting rid of plaque before it builds up in hard-to-reach places, causing damage to teeth and gums. While brushing is important, flossing is equally as vital for good oral health. It can remove leftover food particles caught between your teeth which brushing alone cannot reach. Flossing also helps decrease inflammation of gums caused by improper brushing technique or gum disease, leading to a healthier mouth overall. Following good oral care routine regularly will result in brighter smiles that last a lifetime! Here are some tips from our dentists
Choosing a Toothbrush
Start by selecting a soft-bristled toothbrush. The bristles should be angled, like a painter’s brush or an artist’s paintbrush—not straight across, like a mop. This design will allow you to easily and effectively get into hard-to-reach places in your mouth like under your gum line and between your teeth. Soft bristles are also important because they help prevent damage to tooth enamel. Many dentists recommend replacing toothbrushes every three months; when you do, try getting one with softer bristles than you have been using as they gradually wear down over time.
Choosing a Toothpaste
The first thing to do is choose a toothpaste. You want one that will help prevent cavities and gingivitis, so look for a brand that contains fluoride. If you’d like a whitening toothpaste, make sure it also contains peroxide or baking soda. Choose a toothpaste without saccharin; not only is it ineffective at preventing cavities, but recent studies have also linked saccharin to increased risk of bladder cancer in rats.
Techniques for Better Brushing
Many people neglect certain parts of their mouth when they brush and use incorrect brushing techniques. Here are some helpful tips for cleaning your teeth properly: 1) Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, like a pencil; 2) Gently sweep it across each tooth, going back and forth for about two minutes; 3) Let go of any hard-to-reach areas with dental floss or interdental brushes; 4) Replace your toothbrush every three months because its bristles will eventually wear out; 5) Consider seeing a dentist twice per year so they can make sure you’re doing everything correctly.
Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
- When brushing your teeth, make sure you use circular motions instead of just up and down. 2. If possible, try not to brush immediately after eating or drinking because food particles are more likely to get caught in between your teeth or on your gums, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. 3. Using a fluoride toothpaste twice a day is recommended for everyone over two years old—but it’s especially important if you have an increased risk of cavities (like those with dentures) or receding gums that expose more teeth than normal).
