Every day and night starts and ends the same, with you in the bathroom brushing your teeth. While you perform this essential task every day, you may not be doing so in a way that properly cleans your teeth. In fact, many people don’t realize there is a correct and incorrect way to brush your teeth to ensure maximum cleanliness and oral health.
At Mills River Family Dental, we understand that tooth brushing is an essential first step to achieving great oral health. Failing to brush your teeth properly can lead to a variety of painful dental ailments. If you’ve ever brushed your teeth and felt like they weren’t as clean as they should be, keep reading to see how our team recommends brushing to achieve optimal cleanliness.
Find the Right Toothbrush
The first step to ensure you brush your teeth correctly is to purchase the appropriate toothbrush. When looking for a toothbrush, try to find one that is soft-bristled. The softer bristles will be gentler on your gums, while effectively cleaning your teeth. An electric toothbrush is also a great option, as it often comes with a built-in timer to ensure you are brushing for an adequate amount of time. Additionally, it has various settings to enhance the brushing experience.
Use the Right Toothpaste
Not all toothpastes are created equal. When choosing a toothpaste to brush your teeth with, it is best to use one with fluoride to protect your teeth from avoidable decay. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and helps prevent cavities. Additionally, if you have any specific dental needs, such as tooth sensitivity or gum problems, there are specialized toothpaste options that can help you address these concerns.
Brush Your Teeth for the Right Amount of Time
When you brush your teeth, you might be in a rush to head out the door or ready to crawl into bed at the end of the night. While you might think a quick brush is adequate to address any concerns, failing to brush for long enough can lead to decay. When brushing, aim for two minutes, twice a day. If you are struggling to hit this two-minute mark, consider setting a timer to ensure you’re getting an adequate cleaning.
Use Proper Brushing Techniques
There are several things you should do when you brush your teeth to ensure they are being cleaned properly. Some of the most important techniques to remember when brushing include:
- Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
- Use gentle, circular motions to brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces.
- Brush the outer surface of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth.
- Brush the inner surface of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth.
- Brush the chewing surfaces of all of your teeth.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue gently or use a tongue scraper.
Be Thorough but Gentle
While it is important to thoroughly brush your teeth to remove any lingering food particles and bacteria, it is essential that you aren’t too aggressive while performing this task. Hard scrubbing on your teeth can wear down your enamel and irritate your gums. When brushing, it is best to try to be as gentle as possible and let the bristles do the work.
Rinse and Store Your Toothbrush Properly
When you are done brushing your teeth, it is important that you clean your toothbrush thoroughly. Rinse your toothbrush with clean water to remove any remaining toothbrush residue and other debris. Once it is rinsed, store it upright and let it air dry. Do not store your toothbrush in a closed container, as this can encourage bacteria growth.
Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
Whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, it is important that you replace them regularly. Your toothbrush or the head of your electric toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months. However, if the bristles are frayed, you may need to replace your toothbrush sooner. When your bristles are too frayed, you may find that you aren’t getting as thorough a clean as you once were.
Complement Your Brushing with Other Good Oral Hygiene Practices
Although it is essential to brush your teeth properly, that isn’t the only thing you can do to keep your teeth safe from harm. Some other good oral hygiene practices you should incorporate into your routine include:
- Floss daily to remove any plaque or food particles that are stuck between your teeth and under the gumline.
- Use mouthwash every time you brush your teeth to kill any bacteria in your mouth and freshen your breath.
- Visit your dentist for regular dental cleaning and check-ups to ensure oral ailments are addressed promptly.
Protect Your Teeth with Mills River Family Dental
When you brush your teeth properly and schedule regular cleanings with your dentist, you can ensure your teeth are always in the best health. If you are looking for a reliable dental team in the Mills River, North Carolina, area, turn to our team at Mills River Family Dental.
For years, we’ve provided the most reliable dental care to patients across the city, making us the perfect choice for your dental care. From dental cleanings to cosmetic dentistry and everything in between, we provide a variety of dental services to meet everyone’s unique needs.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team or if you have any questions about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us today!