5 Tips for Brushing Your Teeth, the Right Way
It’s the beginning of a new year, and a dental checkup may finally be on the top of your priorities as you try to keep up with your resolution to live a healthier lifestyle. So, before you go into the dentist only for them to criticize your brushing and flossing habits, we want to help. Learn how to brush your teeth the right way with these 5 simple tips.
5 Tips for Brushing Your Teeth the Right Way
- Change Out Your Toothbrush!
- Stop Using Incorrect Brushing Techniques!
- Brush your Teeth for at Least 2 Minutes!
- Don’t Forget Your Ton a Clean Place!
- Store Your Toothbrush in a Clean Place
Change Out Your Toothbrush!
When was the last time you changed your toothbrush?! The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that you change your toothbrush at least once every 3 months, for good reason. Old bristles are simply ineffective against plaquengue and Gums!
Take a look at your toothbrush the next time you’re in your bathroom. If the bristles are fraying or splaying outwards, it’s time to replace your toothbrush. You may want to replace your toothbrush even sooner after you’ve been sick or have let the bristles touch anything but your teeth.
Stop Using Incorrect Brushing Techniques!
In recent years dental hygienists have found a better way to brush your teeth rather than in tiny circular motions. The ADA now suggests that you brush the front of your teeth in a back and forth motion as wide as a single tooth. This way, these short strokes will reach both the outer and inner surfaces of each tooth.
Lastly, don’t skip around the surface of your teeth. When you jump from one tooth to another in no apparent order, it’s hard to distinguish which teeth are clean. Master the way you brush your teeth by focusing on one quadrant of your mouth at a time.
Brush Your Teeth for at Least 2 Minutes!
Studies show that the average person brushes their teeth for about 30 seconds. That’s terrible. There’s no way you’re able to clean all surfaces of your teeth effectively in that short of a time. That’s why dentist recommend you brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes every time, both in the morning and at night.
If you have a problem brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, consider getting an electric toothbrush. Nowadays electronic toothbrushes are highly inexpensive, and most come with timers to keep them on for a minimum of two minutes. Plus, an electric toothbrush makes everything easier because it does all the work while you simply hold it in place.
Don’t Forget Your Tongue and Gums!
While it may seem weird, brushing your tongue is incredulously important. Hundreds of thousands of bacteria live on your tongue and play a role in bad breath and tooth decay. Use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to gently go over the surface of your tongue to wipe any bacteria off, then rinse your mouth afterwards.
Furthermore, brushing your teeth also involves your gumline. Gently brush in this area to avoid destroying any soft tissue between your teeth and gums. Ultimately, this will help prevent strong cases of periodontitis or other gum diseases in the future.
Store your Toothbrush in a Clean Place
Did you know, more than half of all toothbrushes have traces of human feces on them!? It’s crazy to imagine that, but it’s true, especially in households. The contents of any toilet sprays in all directions when it’s flushed, and some of it may very well find itself on your toothbrush.
For the future, don’t forget to close your toilet before flushing. Also, consider storing your toothbrush inside a medicine cabinet, or placing a protective cap on it.
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A healthy smile starts somewhere, and these 5 tips on how to brush your teeth is just the beginning. Looking for more ways to start the year off with a healthy smile? Get in touch with us at One Stop Implants & Dental today online or by phone at (800) 862-2249.
