How To Brush Your Teeth

Oral hygiene and overall health are linked. Making sure to properly take care of the teeth and brush correctly will help to avoid numerous dental issues and problems later on. It's important to know what to do and what not to do when it comes to daily home dental care. Things To Avoid Some dental care mistakes people make include: 1. Using An Unsuitable Toothbrush: The ideal toothbrush has soft bristles, can reach all tooth surfaces easily, and fits the user's mouth well. Whether to use an electric toothbrush or a manual one is a matter of preference, but the other criteria are important to good oral hygiene. 2. Using Excessive Force: While it may seem counterintuitive that brushing harder is not the best way to go about it, it's true. If there is harsh abrasion day after day, the enamel layer will become worn and cause problems. Light pressure is sufficient for cleaning. 3. Brushing Too Quickly: A brushing session should last a minimum of two minutes' time to get the best results. Modern life is so fast-paced that people try to rush and end up not being as thorough with their brushing as they should be. This may leave areas in the mouth where there is still bacteria buildup or food particles remaining. 4. Keeping Toothbrushes Too Long: Due to the nature of their use, toothbrushes wear out quickly. The bristles may become frayed, bent, or otherwise problematic. This can actually cause harm. Professionals recommend changing toothbrushes around every 3 to 4 months or after an illness. 5. Brushing Too Soon After Meals: Brushing immediately after eating may seem like a good idea, but it can lead to enamel erosion. The acids are strong at that point. Abrasion only helps them work. The recommended time for brushing is about 15- 20 minutes after a meal. 6. Ignoring The Gumline: Getting the gumline clean pays off. The gumline is a prime spot for bacteria and food particles to build up. It should be thoroughly cleaned during each brushing session. This helps ensure that unhealthy plaque and tartar will be unable to form and do damage to the enamel or cause cavities. Proper Technique The recommended steps for effective brushing are: Start with the outer surfaces of the upper teeth, then the lower Move to cleaning the inner surfaces of the upper teeth, then the lower Next, focus on the chewing surfaces Finish with gently brushing the tongue When brushing, it's advised to hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. It's also recommended to use circular strokes rather than using an up and down motion. Do not forget the inside area that faces the tongue or the very back teeth that are a bit harder to reach. When following all of the above steps, your teeth are guaranteed to be their cleanest and healthiest. Jump to top