Quick Tips for Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing our teeth is important – we all know that, but along with understanding its importance, we should also know how to brush properly. Knowing the correct brushing technique can improve the durability and overall health of our teeth more so than simply going through the motions of brushing every day. If brushing your teeth is becoming a mindless activity for you, than it’s possible that you could be overlooking crucial steps in your oral hygiene. Follow these correct steps to brushing your teeth to help ensure a long-lasting and healthy smile!

• Choose the right brush
• You’ll want to pick a brush that has soft nylon bristles. Harder brushes run the risk of irritating your gums, so a soft toothbrush will be able to effectively remove plaque and debris from your teeth. You should also remember to replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months.
• Use the right toothpaste
• Toothpastes containing fluoride are going to be the most effective in fighting plaque buildup. Fluoride helps teeth resist the acids found in plaque known to cause tooth decay, so choose a toothpaste that not only will help fight plaque, but also strengthen your teeth.
•  Use the proper brushing technique
• Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when brushing. To begin, brush in a short vertical or circular motion.
• Spend at least three minutes brushing, and brush only a few teeth at a time. Brush your entire mouth, spending a minimum of 12 seconds in each area. To help keep track of time, watch TV while you brush or hum a song to yourself.
• Make sure to target your back teeth by moving your toothbrush in and out of the back of your mouth until your top and bottom molars feel clean.
• According to many dentists, the inner surfaces of teeth are the most neglected area when brushing. Target the inside of your teeth by taking extra care to brush the inner side of each tooth.
• Brushing your tongue should also be a part of your brushing regimen, as it helps to fight bad breath and bacteria buildup. Gently clean your tongue using the bristles of your toothbrush.
• Finish off your brushing session by rinsing out your mouth with water. Take a sip of water, swish it around in your mouth, and spit it out. Rinsing your mouth helps to get rid of any lingering bacteria. Also be sure to rinse your toothbrush to rid it of any bacteria.
• An optional step is to rinse your mouth with a fluoride-based mouthwash. Using mouthwash for around 30 seconds can help clean your teeth even more.

Properly brushing your teeth will contribute to a healthier smile that you and your dentist can be proud of. Practice good dental hygiene by taking precaution when brushing your teeth so you may have those teeth for years to come. Lawrence Thompson, DDS is a dentist in Coleman, TX. To learn more about his practice, visit www.mycolemandentist.com.