Do you manage to brush your teeth twice a day? By brushing your teeth for only a few minutes a day, you’ll discover fresher breath, an improvement in the appearance of your teeth, and more. However, there are certain techniques and products you should know about in order to make sure you’re brushing your teeth as effectively as possible.
From holding your toothbrush the correct way to rinsing versus not rinsing, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of effective tooth brushing.
Read on to learn how to brush your teeth properly so you can reap all the benefits of stellar oral health!
Choose Your Toothbrush
Brushing your teeth the right way begins with a high-quality toothbrush. If you rather brush your teeth manually, opt to purchase a soft-bristle brush–harder bristles are known to irritate your gums. However, if you can afford an upgrade, we recommend investing in an electric toothbrush.
According to the Oral Health Foundation, electric toothbrushes with oscillating heads lead to healthier gums and less of a chance of tooth decay compared to manual toothbrushes.
No matter what toothbrush you choose, make sure to replace the toothbrush at least once every three months. After three months, the bristles can begin to get worn and won’t be as effective. Toothbrushes are also known to collect bacteria.
Purchase Fluoride Toothpaste
You’ll next want to purchase a fluoride toothpaste that’s approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Fluoride is recommended because it protects your teeth against decay. Children younger than three can only use a small smear of fluoride toothpaste when their first teeth can come in.
It’s also important to remember that there are kinds of toothpaste available that help people with sensitive teeth or gums. Some are also able to provide extra whitening to your teeth over time.
Use a Small Amount
Don’t follow the advice of toothpaste commercials that spread out the toothpaste over the entire head of the toothbrush. You only need a small, pea-sized amount for effective brushing. Before or after you put toothpaste on your brush, wet the bristles with a small amount of water.
Hold the Toothbrush Correctly
Once you’ve applied the toothpaste, there’s actually a correct way of holding the toothbrush. You’ll want to hold it at a 45-degree angle with the bristles pointing towards your gums. As you brush the outsides of your teeth in small, circular motions, this angle will help you get into all the nooks and crannies that you commonly miss.
Brush in the Right Order
It’s preferred to start first on the front of your teeth, then the chewing surfaces, then the inside. This is because there are more plaque and a buildup of bacteria on the inner surfaces of your teeth. By brushing the front surfaces of your teeth first, you’re less likely to spread bacteria onto your gums.
As you brush in this order, remember that you’ll want to spend a minimum of two minutes brushing everything. This ensures that they’re being brushed thoroughly enough.
Don’t Forget Your Tongue
Once your done brushing your teeth, don’t forget that you’ll want to brush your tongue. This often forgotten part of your body also harbors plaque and bacteria that build up throughout the day.
Start at the back of your tongue and bring the bristles forward. If you find that it’s triggering your gag reflex, start at the middle of your tongue before you get used to it. Tongue scrapers are just as affordable as regular toothbrushes and work better at cleaning your tongue than a toothbrush.
Although tongue scraping may seem like an unnecessary step, you’ll discover these benefits:
- Better appearance of your tongue
- Improvement of your sense of taste
- Reduction of bad breath
As you more effectively reduce the bacteria in your mouth through tongue scraping, you’ll also notice improved overall health.
Don’t Rinse
Did you know that rinsing after you brush your teeth is actually less effective? Since your toothpaste contains fluoride, the most effective way to let it work is to let the toothpaste remain on your teeth. If you rinse your mouth out as soon as you finish brushing your teeth, you’re actually diluting its preventative effects.
Simply spit out the excess toothpaste in your mouth and continue on with your day. If you find that this is hard to adjust to at first, focus on rinsing in the morning and letting the toothpaste rest on your teeth at night when you won’t be eating or drinking.
If you use mouthwash, avoid using it right after you brush. A good time to use mouthwash is in the middle of the day.
Brush Your Teeth the Right Way
The importance of brushing your teeth can’t be stressed enough. When you know how to brush your teeth the right way, you’ll reduce the chance of cavities, freshen your breath, and keep the bacteria in your mouth under control. For no more than four minutes a day, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy mouth and beautiful teeth.
Remember to invest in a high-quality toothbrush that you can replace every three months or so. You may also want to purchase a tongue scraper as well as fluoride toothpaste. Mouthwash isn’t necessary for your oral health unless you’re suffering from gum disease.
Are you looking for comprehensive dental care from a caring, experienced team of dental professionals? From regular dental exams to working with patients with periodontal disease, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment!