How to brush your teeth the proper way and with the right tools are key to good oral health.
- The ADA recommends brushing your teeth for 2 minutes 2 times a day.
- Use a soft-bristled brush choosing a size to fit your mouth.
- Replacing your toothbrush every three or four months.
- Make sure to use an ADA accepted fluoride toothpaste.
5 toothbrushing mistakes and how to fix them
- You pick the wrong brush, choose a brush that will get to those hard to reach places. Whether you choose a manual or electric toothbrush, it must have soft bristles. Plaque on your teeth is soft and easily removed with a soft bristle brush.
- Scrubbing instead of brushing is a big mistake, take your time and don’t miss those back teeth. Instead of thinking about scrubbing, think about a mouth massage.
- Your rushing, Don’t. Set a timer on your phone for 2 minutes, just 2 minutes of your time 2 times a day. If your using an electric toothbrush some are equipped to let you know when to switch sides and when the 2 minutes are up. Click here for the 5 best electric toothbrushes.
- Keeping that toothbrush too long. When you see dirt, bent bristles, it time for a new toothbrush or replace the head on your electric brush.
- Forgetting the tongue-side. Everybody want to brush the outside, the part that can be seen when you smile. Most of your saliva glands are on the tongue side. Saliva is full of minerals and if they are left to build up on the soft plaque it will build up to be tarter or calculus.
The proper brushing technique
- Aim the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle toward the gum line.
- Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
- Use a gentle circular motion and then sweep away from the gums.
- Use a light back and forth motion on the chewing surfaces.
- Spit out the toothpaste but, do not rinse. The fluoridated toothpaste will continue to protect against tooth decay.
Cleaning between your teeth
You should floss at least once a day, but are you doing it the right way? Flossing is more than just snapping the floss in between your teeth. Once the floss snaps down to the gum line, curve it into a C shape and gentle rub side to side.
