Brushing your teeth might seem like a task that's impossible to get wrong, but that couldn't be further from the truth! Access Dental and Dentures is here to tell you, if you aren't brushing your teeth correctly, then your dental health could suffer and even affect your overall health. Missing spots on your teeth, brushing too hard, using too much toothpaste... These are just a few of the issues that you could have in your own toothbrushing routine. Keep reading to learn all about how to keep your teeth as healthy as possible!
How to Brush
Did you know that there are several different tooth brushing techniques? Side-to-side, up-to-down, and circular are some of the more common styles. Side-to-side can feel the most natural and easy, but it’s not always the most effective method. Brushing up-to-down or in a circular motion can help remove plaque and foreign materials rather than simply pushing them around. It's also better for your gums. Circular is great for the front of your teeth when your bite is together, while up-and-down is best for the inner sides of your back teeth. The graphic above is a good indicator of the best ways to brush different areas of your mouth.
How Long to Brush
Some people brush their teeth without really thinking about it while performing other morning chores. That makes it hard to know how long they're actually brushing their teeth. They may even get distracted and need both hands for a task and pause their tooth brushing. What seems like enough time could be too short because of distractions that interrupt their routine.
Two minutes is the ideal amount of time to brush your teeth. This comes to about 30 seconds for each side (top right, top left, bottom right, and bottom left). To help keep yourself on track, try to avoid performing other parts of your morning routine while brushing your teeth. Get a fun hourglass timer for your bathroom or choose a two-minute song to start your morning off on the right foot. There are also some electric toothbrushes that will vibrate when it's time to switch sides.
Don't Miss a Spot!
It can be easy to get into a routine of brushing just the front of your teeth and tops of your molars, missing some of the most important places. Many people commonly miss the inner sides of their teeth. Plaque can build up on the back of your front incisors and between your back molars as a result of incomplete tooth brushing habits. Remember that every surface of your teeth exposed to food and drink needs regular cleaning – not just the surfaces you see when you smile.
How Much Toothpaste
Many people don’t realize how little toothpaste you actually need. Too much toothpaste can cause extra abrasion to your tooth enamel, damaging your teeth. It can also leave white spots on the surface of your teeth from too much fluoride – a condition called fluorosis.
The recommended amount of toothpaste is a pea-sized drop. This amount helps clean off bacteria and buildup without being too aggressive to the surface of your teeth. For kids with developing teeth, the suggested amount is even smaller. Use just a smear or rice-sized amount for small children.
Best Dentist in Southern Missouri
If you take good care of your teeth with proper brushing techniques, your overall oral health will be in good shape! As part of your important health habits, make sure you visit the dentist regularly so they can keep an eye on the parts of your dental health that you can't see on your own. Access Dental and Dentures is here to help keep you and your teeth healthy for year to come. Give us a call to schedule your next appointment!
