Keys to Brushing Success

Practicing good oral habits is key to maintaining a healthy smile for years to come. The most important aspect of practicing good oral habits is brushing your teeth regularly and thoroughly. Doing so will ensure you are able to maintain healthy teeth and a winning smile well into the future. Like with any other task, using the correct instrument is integral to success. This makes choosing the right toothbrush vital. These tips will allow you to maintain your stellar smile and avoid any potential troubles that could otherwise occur such as gum disease.

Choose the Right Toothbrush

You may think that all toothbrushes are the same so you can simply choose any one to use, but this would be a mistake. When shopping for a toothbrush, you want to find one that feels comfortable both in your hand and in your mouth. There are many different styles of handle on toothbrushes that you can purchase and multiple sizes that you can choose from depending on the size of your mouth. If you choose one that feels comfortable in your hand and fits easily into your mouth, you will be more likely to use it regularly and to be more effective when brushing your teeth.

You may think that using hard bristles on your toothbrush will allow you to clean your teeth more effectively but this is not the case. To be more effective in your brushing, you actually want to use softer bristles. How soft the bristles on your brush should be depends on how sensitive your teeth and gums are. This is why, when shopping for toothbrushes, you will find plenty of soft, extra soft, and medium bristled toothbrushes but hard bristled toothbrushes are difficult to find.

At the end of the day, you want to find the toothbrush that fits your mouth the best and that you find the easiest to use. This can be either an electrically powered toothbrush or a manual toothbrush, whichever you are more comfortable using.  You just want to make sure that you are using soft bristles which requires replacing the toothbrush every three to four months.

Brush Your Teeth Effectively

There is a right way and a wrong way to brush your teeth. If you brush your teeth too infrequently or not thoroughly enough, it can be as if you are not brushing your teeth at all. You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day; once in the morning and once before you go to sleep. If you want to be even more efficient, you can brush following meals when possible.

When brushing your teeth, you want to take your time to ensure that you are thoroughly cleaning your teeth. You should be taking at least three minutes to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth. When you are brushing along the gum line, aim your toothbrush slightly toward the gums to ensure that you are properly cleaning the gums. This will help you stay away from gum disease.

Properly brushing your teeth includes using a gentle motion, focusing on thoroughly brushing each individual tooth, and brushing your tongue. Using a gentle motion when brushing will help you to avoid damaging your gums. Staying focused on each individual tooth will ensure that each tooth is cleaned thoroughly. Brushing your tongue will remove the bacteria that exists on it which will help you to avoid bad breath.

Part of a thorough brushing is ensuring that you are using a properly cleaned toothbrush. After using your toothbrush, make sure you thoroughly rinse the toothbrush after each use. Also, to ensure that you are continually using soft bristles for the maximum effect, replace your toothbrush, or toothbrush head if you are using an electrically powered brush, every three to four months.

While a regular cleaning every six months is important for maintaining your oral health, you are responsible for your oral health during the time in between. Practicing good oral health habits will ensure that you are able to maintain a healthy smile well into the future. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day as well as using the right toothbrush and replacing it regularly are key to helping you remain in good health. To ensure your teeth remain in good health, come see Dr. Acosta at Hancock Village Dental.