Taking good care of your teeth is vital in protecting your smile. Even if you are brushing your teeth twice a day, you may not be brushing them correctly or effectively. Changing the way you brush your teeth can help you get them cleaner, as well as more thoroughly remove plaque. Here are some tips for the correct way to brush your teeth.
Two Minutes, Twice a Day
It is important to brush your teeth for the appropriate length of time. Most people don’t even come near 2 minutes when they brush their teeth, but this is necessary to effectively clean off plaque and food particles. You must also brush twice a day. Your toothbrush should be the last thing to touch your teeth at night and it should occur at one other point in the day.
Short, Gentle Strokes
Short, gentle strokes are adequate to thoroughly clean your teeth. You should hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your teeth and brush back and forth. Using too much force can wear down the enamel of your teeth and actually cause damage.
Quadrants
Ensure that you hit every quadrant in your mouth when you brush your teeth. Pay equal attention to your back and front teeth. Ensure that you brush every surface of your teeth, including the back, front, and chewing surfaces.
It is important to brush your teeth correctly to keep them healthy. There are many other things that are necessary to protect your teeth. It is also important to replace your toothbrush regularly, floss once a day, and receive regular dental cleanings every 6 months. To learn more, or to schedule your regular dental cleaning, contact us at Mills River Family Dental today!