Are you afraid of the dentist? Perhaps you’ll be less fearful if you show up to the dentist’s office with bright and clean teeth. To keep your teeth in tip-top condition, here are several tips that will improve your daily tooth brushing.
If you want to preserve your dental health, the first thing is to learn the secrets of brushing your teeth properly. Maybe they aren’t getting as clean as you think, but here are some suggestions that can make a difference.
Do brush twice daily and floss once
To begin, choose the right brush. It is recommended that you select one with soft bristles since the harder ones can hurt your gums. It would be best if you brushed gently to avoid damaging the tooth enamel. If you brush your teeth with a lot of force, you can cause the gum to retract or wear out, and you could even damage the structure of the teeth.
It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once. Brushing too often can damage your tooth enamel and damage your gums. Brushing your teeth should take at least two minutes. Tooth brushing any longer can cause damage to your gums.
When you finish brushing your teeth, rinse the brush thoroughly and let it air dry. A wet brush is more likely to develop bacteria.
Do use circular motion beginning from the back
While it takes a little time to get used to making small circular movements with slight pressure, practice makes perfect. Ask your dental hygienist to check the progress.
Always follow the same tooth brushing pattern when you brush your teeth. Brush in this order:
- The outside of all teeth (starting in the very back of your mouth)
- The inside of all teeth
- The teeth of the lower jaw
- The teeth of the upper jaw
Tooth brushing should be done in short movements from side to side, covering all the surfaces of the tooth. Electric toothbrushes are great to have, especially if you have arthritis or any other issue that affects your ability to brush your teeth thoroughly.
If you are using a manual toothbrush, brush in small circles, without pressure.
When brushing, use short, gentle movements, and do not forget to reach way in the back to the hard-to-reach teeth.
Do begin tooth brushing from the back moving forward
It may seem strange to start brushing at the back of your mouth, but that is exactly where you should start. Brush tooth by tooth. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum and use short movements. If you brush your teeth from side to side, you can damage your gums.
Don’t brush too hard
If you are using enough pressure to damage a tomato, you’re using too much force. Use slow, gentle movements, taking care not to scrub your teeth too hard. Some electric toothbrushes have sensors that alert you if you are using too much pressure, which many people find helpful.
If you use too much pressure, you could create gum damage that can lead to a higher risk for gingivitis, bleeding gums, and receding gum lines.
While these do’s and don’ts are helpful, they shouldn’t be used as a substitute for regular visits to the dentist. Additionally, to maintain oral health, you’ll need to put these tips into practice every day. For a fear-free appointment, call us today at 317-745-4400.
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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