Dental professionals recommend brushing your teeth at least twice daily to maintain good oral hygiene. Although most people brush in the morning and evening, they do not do it correctly. As a result, they visit the dentist in Bradford more frequently for treatments. Read on to learn the correct way to brush your teeth.
What Is the Proper Way to Brush Your Teeth?
Cleaning your teeth prevents damage to the tooth enamel and gums. It also removes oral bacteria, food debris, and plaque hidden between the teeth and gum line. When you do not clean your teeth correctly, you increase your risk of decay, caries, and gum disease.
Below are some tips from the experts at Bradford dental clinic to help you brush your teeth properly.
- Get the right toothbrush
A good toothbrush goes a long way toward maintaining excellent dental hygiene. It ensures that you reach all the areas of your mouth, eliminating debris and plaque. Get a soft-bristled toothbrush that will not damage your enamel or gums when you clean along the gum line.
Ensure that your toothbrush is the right size and shape, fitting easily into your mouth. A small toothbrush head makes accessing the back teeth during cleaning easier. Replace the brush every three months so that it works well. In addition, use fluoride toothpaste approved by the ADA. Consult the dentist near you about the ideal fluoride toothpaste for you.
- Use the correct brushing technique
Brushing right requires using the proper technique. Start by brushing the outer surfaces of your teeth, going tooth by tooth. Brush the upper then the lower teeth carefully, not missing any spots. Next, tilt the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to brush the gum line and eliminate any trapped food debris and plaque. Brush gently back and forth to avoid irritating your gums.
Next, brush the inner surfaces of your teeth. Start with the upper teeth, then the lower teeth brushing them with up and down strokes. Tilt the brush to clean along the gum line. Next, clean your teeth’s chewing surfaces. Ensure you remove all food particles from the natural pits and grooves in the teeth. Finally, do not forget to clean your tongue for fresh breath.
- Brush for two minutes
Most people need to take time to brush their teeth properly, particularly in the morning. Although you may be in a hurry, ensure that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes. Doing so helps to get rid of plaque and bacteria in the teeth. It also allows your teeth to absorb the fluoride in your toothpaste which helps fight against cavities.
When brushing your teeth, do it methodically. Start with the top left section and clean it for 30 seconds. Next, brush the full right area for 30 seconds. Finally, brush the bottom left and bottom right sections each for 30 seconds. When cleaning each part, do not forget to brush along the gum line. Use a timer or a two-minute song to ensure you brush for two minutes.
- Brush gently
Brush your teeth gently with soft strokes. Vigorous brushing can harm your teeth and gums. Your tooth enamel is hard and strong. However, brushing too hard every time you clean your teeth leads to enamel abrasion. The damage to your enamel exposes your teeth to various dental issues like sensitivity. Brushing hard also leads to gum irritation and recession.
Do You Need to Floss as Well as Brush Your Teeth?
Brushing your teeth is important. But it will not help remove all food particles and plaque stuck between your teeth. You need to floss your teeth at least once a day for cleaner, healthier teeth. Flossing also helps remove plaque and food particles from the gum line.
Most people brush and then floss. However, dental experts recommend flossing first and then brushing your teeth. This helps remove interdental plaque and loosens bacteria and plaque making it easier to remove with a toothbrush.
Brushing and flossing are important oral hygiene practices. However, you need help from the dentist near you to keep your mouth in optimum health. Visit us at South Simcoe Dental Care for treatments to help you achieve and maintain excellent dental health.