To many, brushing their teeth is so routine that it’s easy to turn on autopilot. Since the point of brushing your teeth is to maintain good oral health and to avoid cavities and tooth decay, it makes a difference in how you brush your teeth – not just that you’re brushing. If you’re one of those people who don’t give much thought to their brushing technique, here are some things to keep in mind.
First, the type of toothbrush you use makes a difference. A medium-sized toothbrush head and softer bristles will be best for most people. You’ll want a toothbrush that is comfortable and doesn’t hurt or scratch your gums. And don’t forget, while taking care of your teeth is a long-term commitment, you aren’t in it for the long haul with your toothbrush. Make sure to switch out your toothbrush every three or four months, or earlier if the bristles lose their flexibility or start to break apart.
The amount of time you spend brushing your teeth is important, too. Brushing twice a day is recommended and you should spend about two full minutes brushing each time. One way to help track the time is to divide your mouth into four parts and spend 30 second brushing each section. Some electric toothbrushes also have timers to help you track as well.
Protecting your gums is also important. Softer bristles are much easier on gums, but you also need to make sure that you aren’t over-brushing (brushing more than three times a day) or brushing too hard. It doesn’t take a lot of elbow grease to remove plaque. Holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and using shorter strokes will be easier on your gum line as well.
The Apple Valley dentists at Dakota Dental want their patients to understand the importance of dental health and how to clean your teeth – the right way. Dakota Dental offers a wide range of dentistry services, including preventative dentistry education. For more tips and tricks on how to take care of your teeth, contact Dakota Dental today!