Did you know it is possible to brush your teeth incorrectly? Using the wrong methods or techniques when brushing can cause harm down the line. While you may think you are practicing positive oral hygiene, you could be inviting gum disease or bad breath.
However, you can easily change from brushing incorrectly with proper knowledge. Westchase Smiles Institute, a provider of general dentistry in Tampa, FL, lists some tricks for how to brush your teeth.
How Is There a Wrong Way?
The plaque-forming bacteria on your teeth require specific conditions to grow. Incorrect brushing helps promote those conditions, allowing plaque growth, which can eventually harden into tartar.
If you leave behind food particles in your mouth, the bacteria use them to produce acids that can erode your tooth enamel. It can also harm your gums, causing them to swell and inflame, which may cause gum disease. Studies and field experts show that uncontrolled oral bacteria leads to severe health issues in every country.
Your oral hygiene can affect how you eat, breathe, and feel. When you know how to brush your teeth correctly, you reinforce several aspects of your health.
What to Pre-Check Before Brushing
Ensure you have a good toothbrush. Soft-bristled brushes work best as they act tough on bacteria but are soft on your enamel. If your brush bristles are too rough or frayed, it is time to replace your toothbrush.
Additionally, only apply a small amount of toothpaste to your toothbrush. You can choose a different toothpaste for your preferences, though some dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste. Ask your dentist about fluorosis to learn more about fluoride content and make an informed decision.
The Method of a Good Brushing Session
Keep these steps in mind while brushing. While there is no single right way to brush your teeth, ensuring you meet proper brushing requirements helps fend off disease:
- Hold your toothbrush against the front of your top teeth at an upward 45-degree angle.
- Move it gently back and forth or in a circular motion over your teeth and gums.
- Ensure you brush away food particles and floss after brushing to confirm cleanliness.
- Clean all the fronts of your top teeth in a similar fashion.
- Repeat the steps for the front of your bottom teeth at a downward 45-degree angle.
- Return to your top teeth, brushing against the backs, tilting the brush toward the gums.
- Repeat for the bottom teeth.
- Return to the top and brush against the chewing surfaces of your teeth, removing debris.
- Ensure you gently encompass the crevices of your molars and double-check cleanliness.
- Take care of your bottom teeth similarly.
- Finally, gently brush your tongue to clean the bacteria there and spit out the remaining saliva.
What to Keep In Mind
The experts at Westchase Smiles Institute recommend brushing for at least two minutes twice daily. They also advise flossing at least once a day, preferably before bed.
Westchase Smiles Institute offers exemplary, five-star services in Tampa. Contact them for more information about how to brush your teeth properly or about their other dental services.
