Brushing is a key component of your daily oral hygiene routine. But the benefits you can enjoy from it depend on how well you do it.
Using a manual or electric toothbrush; proper brushing is crucial to reducing plaque buildup on tooth surfaces and prevent decay, cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath. In this post, we’ve compiled tips on how to brush your teeth properly. Let’s dig in.
Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush. Toothbrushes come in different bristle types. Choose soft bristles when shopping for a new one. Going for hard bristles doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to remove more debris from your teeth. Aggressive brushing can cause the enamel to erode, which can later result in discoloured or sensitive teeth. You can still remove debris from your mouth with a soft-bristled brush provided you’re using the right techniques.
Replace your brush regularly. Switch to a new toothbrush after 3-4 months or once your current one starts to show signs of wear. A worn or frayed toothbrush will no longer clean properly. Look for a toothbrush that has a comfortable handle, has the right size head, and will be able to reach all tooth surfaces, especially the back molars.
Use the recommended amount of toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste strengthens the enamel, but you’ll want to limit the amount you're using when you brush. For children below the age of two, a smear should be enough. For the rest, a pea-sized amount should do.
Begin with outer teeth surfaces. Position your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums and target outer teeth first. Gently move your brush back and forth in shorter strokes, making sure to cover every tooth. Tackling every tooth at once will help prevent missing spots and remove as much debris as possible.
Move to inner teeth surfaces. Once you're done with the outer teeth, you can proceed to clean inner teeth surfaces. Don’t skip these parts even if they’re not visible. Plaque and tartar can also build up on them and lead to tooth problems. When cleaning back parts of your teeth, tilt your brush a bit and move it gently in up and down strokes.
Next, clean chewing surfaces. Chewing surfaces of molars have deep grooves where debris can penetrate and be hard to remove. Brushing is your first defense against this potential issue. Spend time brushing your molars using small, back and forth strokes.
Include your gums and tongue. Don’t forget to include your gum line when brushing as debris can also linger in these areas. The last step is to brush your tongue as harmful bacteria is found there too.
Nobody wants to deal with sore teeth and gums. You can keep your mouth healthy by brushing your teeth properly at least twice a day and maintaining good dental care habits.
If you have specific concerns, such as tooth sensitivity, talk to your dentist about the right products to use. For more dental care-related questions or if you’re looking for a new dentist in Pinehurst or Woodlands, Texas, please feel free to contact us at Happy Sapiens Dental or call (281) 356-3351