What You Need to Know About Brushing Your Teeth from our Dentist Office

When you visit our dentist office, we can show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.  Learning how to do this the right way will help you to prevent cavities and gum disease from forming in your mouth.  We understand the importance that preventative care plays in good oral health. We can do our part by cleaning your teeth twice a year and removing any plaque, tartar, and bacteria that was left behind from at home cleanings. While this is effective, it isn't enough without at home care as well.

Here is what you need to know about brushing your teeth.

The two-minute myth.
A lot of people have been taught that as long as they brush for at least two minutes, their teeth will be clean.  This is only half of the story.  The two-minute rule is a good starting point, but you really need to brush for as long as it takes to get a good clean.  This may be longer if you have a bad toothbrush.  Feel your teeth when you are done and see if they are clean.  If you can still feel grime with your tongue then adjust your timing accordingly.

Motion matters.
When you brush your teeth, it is important to brush them in a circular pattern. This will help you to remove more bacteria and plaque without irritating your gums.  If you have an electric toothbrush, it will do this for you so that you have less to worry about.  This is far better than brushing from front to back or back to front which can irritate your gums.  We can show you how to do this when you visit our dentist office.

It is also important for you to brush away from your gums.  For example, if you are brushing your top teeth start at the gum line and brush downwards. This will keep bacteria off of your gums and help to prevent gum disease.

Buy the right equipment.
You should be brushing with a soft toothbrush or an electric one.  Both are better for your teeth than a hard toothbrush because they won't strip away your enamel or irritate your gums.  You also need to switch out your toothbrush every three months before the bristles start to fray.  If you notice that your toothbrush has an odor, you should change it out faster since this could be a sign of bacteria.

Purchase toothpaste that contains fluoride so that you can strengthen your teeth while brushing them.  Look for one that has the American Dental Association seal of approval on it and use this toothpaste several times a day for the maximum benefits.

When you visit our dentist office, we can demonstrate how to brush properly and care for your teeth so that you can stay healthy at home and prevent both cavities and gum disease.  You should also schedule a teeth cleaning for twice a year so that we can remove any bacteria or plaque that has been left behind.