We all brush our teeth, but not everyone knows the best way to do it.
At New Leaf Dentists, our friendly team wants everyone to have clean, strong teeth and gums so that when they come to our dental clinic, there will be happy people all around.
In this blog article, we go over 5 tips on how to brush your teeth.
OUTLINE
Proper oral hygiene is a daily routine. Aside from the 2 times you see us a year, it’s all up to you to maintain your teeth and gums.
Before we get into the technique required to brush your teeth properly, we’ve outlined a few steps to remember each day when you walk into the bathroom.
· Brush 2 to 3 times a day (preferably after meals)
· Use fluoridated toothpaste
· Floss once a day (preferably after dinner)
· Limit consumption of sugary snacks & alcohol
· See our Erina dentists twice a year for a professional clean
DURATION
To ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, you should be brushing for at least 2 minutes.
Most children and adults do not brush anywhere near this long.
Not only should you be brushing for 2 minutes, you should be using short, gentle strokes—ensuring that you dedicate the same amount of time towards every tooth, across the gums and the gumline.
Take special consideration to hard-to-reach areas such as the back of your teeth, along the gumline, and around crowns and fillings.
TECHNIQUE
When it comes to brushing your teeth, most people just scrub in any which direction without thinking.
Unfortunately, this can be an ineffective way to brush your teeth and runs the risk of missing certain areas inside your mouth.
To ensure your teeth are brushed properly, follow this brushing technique:
· Tilt brush at 45-degree angle against gumline & sweep the brush away from gumline
· Brush inside, outside & surface of each tooth with back-&-forth movements
· Brush tongue back-&-forth to freshen breath & remove germs
PRODUCTS
Having the right dental products is important when it comes to dental care.
In terms of toothbrushes, we highly recommend an electric toothbrush for best results.
There are many options out in the market, from simple electric toothbrushes to those with Bluetooth connectivity so that you can keep track of your daily habits.
Brushing has never been more fun with the options available to us. Just remember to always make sure to replace your toothbrush when the bristles become worn, or every 3 months—whichever comes first.
In terms of toothpaste, a fluoridated one from a reputable brand is ideal.
Certain toothpastes work to assist certain conditions such as plaque, sensitivity, gingivitis, stained teeth and more.
If you’re not sure, talk to one of our dentists next time you come in for a check-up to see which one is best suited for your teeth.
For flossing, there are a myriad of options out there as well.
From the usual floss tape, flossers with handles, to interdental brushes in varying sizes to help getting into the tight spaces between teeth very accessible.
Cleaning your teeth and gums at home have never been easier and more fun!
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is an investment on your health.
And by doing it correctly, you put yourself in good stead for having strong, healthy teeth and gums for a long time.
Not only does it make your teeth look better, it reduces the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and halitosis (bad breath).
To book an appointment with our dentists in Erina, get in touch, or book online.
Happy Brushing!
For more dental information, view our previous blog on common causes for bad breath!