You visited your dentist for your semi-annual check-up, and the results weren’t what you expected. The dentist found a lot of plaque on your teeth, a couple cavities, and maybe even the start of gum disease. You’re surprised because you brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste! The problem could be that you’re not brushing properly. Read this informative article and find out when it comes to brushing your teeth, what you need to know to do it right.
1. Choose the Right Toothbrush
The American Dental Association recommends using a synthetic, soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can damage your teeth and injure your gums. Avoid using natural bristles made from animal hair. Toothbrushes with small heads fit your mouth better, and allow you to reach all your teeth, especially the back ones. If you have a problem with plaque, cavities, gingivitis, et cetera, there are special toothbrushes designed to help fight these conditions. Check with your dentist for his/her recommendation.
Also, remember to replace your toothbrush when the bristles start to show wear. Using a toothbrush with worn down or splayed bristles won’t clean your teeth and gums right.
2. Start Brushing in Different Places
Humans tend be creatures of habit. You probably start brushing your teeth at the same spot every time. You start out good, but soon you get bored and hurry to finish. To do it the right way and avoid under-brushing, or missing teeth, start at a different place each time. Instead of starting at your front teeth, brush your molars first, for example. And, be sure to brush the inner surfaces of your teeth too.
3. Brush Your Teeth for 2 to 3 Minutes
According to the experts, most people don’t brush their teeth long enough. To do a thorough job, you should spend a few minutes at it each session. It’s a good idea to set a stopwatch or a timer so you don’t short change yourself. Spend an equal amount of time on the top as the bottom teeth. If you don’t want to get bored, watch TV or hum along to a song (most songs are between 3 and 5 minutes long).
4. Brush Your Teeth Right
Hold your toothbrush so it’s sideways against your teeth to do the outer sides. Turn it so the bristles are aimed at your gum line at a 45-degree angle. Gently brush your teeth up-and-down using short strokes. If it hurts your gums, then brush them more lightly. Long, horizontal strokes can injure your gums. That and brushing back-and-forth can’t clean in between your teeth or clean your gums. Clean the biting or chewing areas of your teeth by holding your toothbrush straight up or down on them. Gently brush back-and-forth. Make sure to clean every tooth on both sides. Hold the toothbrush vertically to clean the undersides of your front teeth. Don’t forget to finish by brushing your tongue, then rinsing your mouth well with water.
Resources
http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Oral-Hygiene/Oral-Hygiene-Basics/article/Taking-Care-of-Your-Teeth.cvsp
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/brushing-teeth-mistakes?page=1
http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Oral-Hygiene/Brushing-and-Flossing/article/How-to-Brush.cvsp
