The Right and Wrong Way to Brush Your Teeth
Did you know there’s a right way and a wrong way to brush your teeth? Proper brushing techniques are important to maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout your lifetime. Infrequent or improper tooth brushing methods can lead to cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and your friends at Peace Haven Family Dentistry, you should follow this dental care regimen for a healthy mouth and smile.
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. This ensures that your toothbrush bristles reach under the gum line as you are brushing.
Brush back and forth in short, tooth-wide strokes. Concentrate on one area at a time, one part or your mouth at a time. Rushing through the process will almost always guarantee that you will miss an area and create an environment for bacteria to flourish.
Brush all surfaces of your teeth. Food particles can remain on all parts of your teeth, not just the chewing surfaces. And don’t forget to brush behind your back teeth too.
Tilt your brush vertically to properly clean the back sides of your top and bottom front teeth. Make several up and down strokes to properly clean this slightly awkward area of your mouth.
Have questions about your oral health or proper brushing techniques? Contact Us!
And here are a few more tips that we recommend to ensure your smile is always healthy.
Brush your teeth at least twice daily (morning and night, after meals). You can brush your teeth again during the day after lunch if desired.
Use a soft-bristled brush. Tougher bristles don’t mean a better clean. In fact, bristles that are too tough or rough brushing can cause damage to your enamel and gums.
Be sure your toothbrush fits your mouth. Your toothbrush should be not too small and not too large. All areas of the mouth should be easily reached with your toothbrush.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months. And replace your toothbrush sooner if bristles are frayed. A frayed brush won’t clean your teeth well.
Use ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. There are many toothpaste choices on your local store shelves as well as specialty toothpastes available for purchase online or in specialty stores. Be sure that the toothpaste you choose is ADA certified; it will be noted on the toothpaste container and packaging.
Floss your teeth at least once daily. Your toothbrush bristles can’t reach in between your teeth. Use dental floss or floss picks to dislodge plaque, food particles, and tooth-decay-causing bacteria that can linger between your teeth and under the gum line.
Eat a balance diet. Limit sugary foods, beverages, and in-between-meal snacks as much as possible.
See your dentist regularly. The ADA recommends visiting your dentist every six months in order to catch any dental and oral problems early and maintain a healthy mouth.
Talk to your dentist about other products to enhance your oral health. Depending on your needs or health, your dentist may recommend other products to help improve your dental health: oral irrigators, mouth rinses, mouthguards, and other oral health products.
Have questions about your oral health or proper brushing techniques? Contact Us!
All Aspects of General Dentistry Including: Root Canal Therapy, Dental Extractions, Invisalign, Dental Implants, Tooth Colored Fillings, Same Day CEREC Crowns, Full and Partial Dentures, 3-D CBCT X-rays
My office is located at:
1086 Whitaker Rd.
Winston Salem, NC 27106
336-765-9247
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