Even if you’re diligent about brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing, you may not be doing it in the most effective way. Here’s how to do it so that your teeth stay healthy.
Get the Right Brush
First off, you need the right brush for your mouth. This is a highly personal decision, and you should choose your toothbrush with care. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association recommends selecting a toothbrush with a soft, nylon brush with round-ended bristles that won’t scratch or irritate the teeth and gums.
Proper Bristle Placement
Clutching the toothbrush in your dominant hand, place the bristles at the gumline. Ideally you should do this at a 45-degree angle so that the bristles connect with not just the tooth surface but with the gumline as well.
Begin to Gently Brush
Start gently brushing the outer tooth surfaces of just a few teeth at a time. Using a back-and-forth rolling motion, make contact with the gums, then move down to the chewing surface. When you have done a thorough job on those, move to the next set of teeth.
Gently Brush Inner Teeth
Once all outer teeth have been brushed, it’s time to turn your attention to the tongue side of the teeth. Still maintaining that 45-degree angle, brush in a back and forth motion along all of the inner surfaces of the teeth, making sure to get at the gumline.
Get Behind the Teeth
To adequately get behind the front teeth, brush vertically between them, using back and forth strokes with the tip of the brush.
Brush the Biting Surfaces
The biting surfaces, particularly in the molars, are where all the bacteria and food can get lodged. To get out those particles, use a back and forth then rolling motion directly on top of the biting surface.
Don’t Forget the Tongue
Because a lot of the odor and bacteria from what you eat can accumulate on the tongue, brush the top of your tongue at the end of your brushing routine. Some brushes come equipped with a special tongue cleaner on the back of the brush, but you can use the regular bristles if you need to.
Visit our website to view a video on proper brushing and flossing:
Be sure to invest in a new toothbrush every three to four months, and replace your brush after every cold or sore throat you have. Did you know that thousands of microbes grow on the bristles and handles? Although most won’t cause you harm, others can bring on colds, the flu and even the herpes virus (cold sores). Built-up bacteria can also lead to periodontal infections.
Employing proper brushing techniques can prevent gingivitis and other oral health problems. Don’t rush your brushing routine and don’t forget to floss. Take a moment and think about your brushing technique tonight!
