You have probably heard from your dentist or maybe even a parent that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. But why? Why is it so important to brush your teeth as recommended? Simply brushing your teeth is not enough. You have to brush them gently and floss them as well.
There are all these rules for brushing your teeth. Are they really necessary? The answer is yes! To keep your teeth and mouth as healthy as possible, you need to follow these simple steps.
The Right Way to Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth the right way is super important for keeping your mouth healthy. Here’s the simple scoop on how to do it properly.
First off, you should brush at least twice a day. Once in the morning and once before bed. If you really want to keep your mouth fresh, try brushing about an hour after meals too. This helps get rid of leftover food that can cause bad breath and feed gross bacteria.
When you brush, don’t just scrub back and forth like you’re cleaning a dirty pan. Instead, use small, gentle circles on each tooth, especially where your gums meet your teeth. This works way better at breaking up sticky plaque. Hold your brush at a slight 45 degree angle to clean under your gumline where germs like to hide.
Oh, and don’t brush too hard! Scrubbing like you’re trying to clean grout can actually hurt your gums and wear down your tooth enamel over time. Gentle pressure is all you need. Make sure to brush:
- All surfaces of each tooth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces
- Along your gumline where plaque builds up
- Your tongue to remove bacteria that cause bad breath
Spend about 30 seconds on each section of your mouth: upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left. Don’t forget about your toothbrush itself. You should get a new one, or new head if you use an electric brush, every 3 months. Old brushes with worn-out bristles don’t clean well and can hold onto nasty bacteria.
A soft-bristled toothbrush is best because medium or hard bristles can damage your gums over time. Whatever brush you use, replace it every 3-4 months or when the bristles start to fray.
Remember, good brushing keeps your gums and teeth healthy teeth, and leads to fewer dentist visits.
Common Brushing Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make these mistakes without realizing it:
- Brushing too hard. You’re cleaning teeth, not scrubbing floors!
- Rushing through brushing. 2 minutes is longer than you think.
- Forgetting to replace your manual toothbrush every 3 months.
- Storing a toothbrush in a closed container. Let it air dry to prevent bacteria growth.
Making Brushing a Habit That Sticks
To help remember to brush properly, try these tips:
- Use a timer or play a 2-minute song while brushing
- Keep a spare toothbrush in your gym bag or at work
- Reward yourself for consistent brushing
Remember, good brushing habits now can save you from painful cavities, expensive dental work, and bad breath later. Your future self will thank you for taking those extra two minutes twice a day. Visit Dr. Sara Chen at Aesthetic Dentistry Centre for all your dental care needs in Plano, TX.