Just because you’ve brushed your teeth thousands of times doesn’t automatically mean you’re doing it correctly. But, as long as you’re trying, does your brushing style actually matter? Yes!
Brushing your teeth improperly can lead to a number of oral health issues including:
- Gingivitis
- Tooth decay
- Tooth abrasion
- Damage to gums
- Tooth sensitivity.
Taking Steps in the Right Direction
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is an important part of a healthy body and overall wellness. Therefore, take a moment to consider 4 basic, yet important steps to ensure you’re practicing proper brushing and adequate oral hygiene.
Step #1. Make Time to Brush—Make it a habit to brush at least twice a day, especially before going to bed at night. Each session should take you around two minutes to complete. Brushing your teeth after you floss is also a good way to remove any extra food debris. If you plan to brush your teeth after you have eaten, wait at least twenty minutes before doing so. This gives your saliva an opportunity to neutralize the acid, and prevent softened tooth enamel from being damaged by brushing.
Step #2. Use the Right Toothbrush—Regardless of whether your toothbrush is manual or powered, make sure the size of the head fits into your mouth easily, allowing you to reach and clean all of your teeth, including the ones at the very back. Toothbrushes with soft, rounded bristles, and approval from the American Dental Association, are great choices to give your smile the best protection it can get.
Step #3. Brush Correctly—You don’t need to use an overabundance of toothpaste each time you brush. In fact, a pea-sized amount will suffice and get the job done adequately. Brush at a 45 degree angle to your teeth, directing attention to where the teeth and gums meet. Do not damage them by brushing too vigorously. Rather, use a gentle, up and down circular motion, making sure that you clean the top, as well as the outer and inner side of each tooth. Finish off by brushing your tongue to remove unwanted food debris and bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Step #4. Focus on What You’re Doing—Pay attention while you are brushing instead of daydreaming about other matters, or rushing the process. Rather than brushing the same way every single time, mix things up a little by sometimes reversing your usual pattern. This will help you to be more attentive to your brushing, and prevent you from missing the same areas continually. Remember too, that a toothbrush is not invincible. Replace it every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or damaged.
The teeth brushing habits you develop will have a huge impact on your smile, not just of today, but the years of tomorrow. Proper brushing, along with regular dental check-ups give you the best chance for a happy, healthy smile. Don’t allow your oral health to become anything less than a priority. Contact Dr. Rudnick, your Palm Beach Gardens dentist today to book your bi-annual cleaning and examination, and by all means, keep on brushing!
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Drop us a line: Do you enjoy brushing your teeth? Share additional tips that work for you in making a success of your teeth brushing.
