28 Oct 2016 10 Tips on How to Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth seems like such a mundane task. However, unfortunately, many people tend to do so improperly, resulting in their mouths and teeth not being as healthy as they should be. Knowing how to brush teeth properly ensures that your teeth and gums are the strongest and healthiest they can possibly be in the long term. Here are 10 tips for brushing teeth.
Choose the Right Toothbrush
There are many kinds of toothbrushes you can buy. You must find a good one that is appropriate for your mouth and teeth. Some are on the small side for kids and adults with smaller mouths. There are also different kinds of toothbrushes as in electric versus standard. Whatever type you select, make sure it has nylon bristles that can effectively remove debris and plaque from your teeth without doing damage to the enamel. If you get an electric toothbrush, make sure you don’t press hard against your teeth. Simply allowing the brush head to move over the teeth lightly is enough.
Replace Toothbrush Regularly
Replace your toothbrush regularly. Over time, the bristles will break down and no longer work as effectively. Many toothbrush bristles will fade in color, signifying it’s time to get a new one or a new brush head if you use electric.
Use Right Amount of Toothpaste
Use a small amount of toothpaste and avoid applying too much. Using too large an amount of toothpaste can result in either the wad falling off the brush and into the sink or accidentally swallowing it.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Select a toothpaste that contains fluoride. This is very important as it has a twofold benefit — fluoride toothpaste works to remove plaque and strengthen enamel. There are different varieties of fluoride toothpaste to choose from, including whitening, tartar control and for sensitive teeth. Decide which one is best for you.
Brushing Technique
Always brush your teeth by placing the bristles at your gumline at a 45-degree angle. Begin brushing your teeth using small circular or vertical motions. Avoid brushing across the teeth. Try to hit every angle of the teeth as possible, from the front to the back.
Brush for Two or Three Minutes
You should spend at least three minutes brushing if you are using a standard toothbrush. However, if you use an electric toothbrush, most of those have built-in timers that will alert you that it’s time to finish up after two minutes.
Brush Inner Surface of Teeth
Be sure to brush the inner surfaces of your teeth as well as the outer ones. This can be tricky and many people forget to tackle this area of their teeth. Keep your mouth open widely enough to achieve that goal.
Brush Your Tongue
Brush your tongue as well. Most people forget or don’t realize that the tongue is filled with bacteria buildup, so when you are brushing your teeth, you will want to gently clean your tongue as well. It also works to eliminate bad breath. This is essential when it comes to knowing how to brush teeth.
Rinse Your Mouth
Rinse your mouth out with water afterward. You can use your hands or a cup to take in water. Swish it around your mouth and spit it out. You may want to repeat the process one or two more times to eliminate any excess toothpaste.
Use Floss
Use dental floss on a daily basis. You can do so either before or after you brush. It ensures you remove any excess bacteria between the teeth and helps keep your gums healthier in fighting the development of gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis.
These tips for brushing teeth will help you to ensure the best health for your teeth and gums over time.