Along with a healthy diet, brushing your teeth twice a day is a fundamental exercise to attain good oral health. Even though most of us have been brushing for years, it may surprise you that many are doing it the wrong way. For example, on average people brush for about 45 to 70 seconds, while dentists recommend 2 minutes. Learning how to properly brush your teeth is simple and has many health benefits.
The first step is picking the right toothbrush, but how do we pick with so many choices in stores? The good news is that most differences in the type of toothbrush you pick don’t matter. The brand, color, and whether it’s electric or manual don’t affect how clean your teeth will become after brushing. One characteristic you need, is soft bristles. Soft bristles are flexible and able to get into cracks and under the gum. You also need to pick one that fits your mouth size.
Now comes the technique. Here are the steps as told by Crest:
On the outer and inner surfaces, brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle in short half-tooth-wide strokes against the gumline.
On chewing surfaces, hold the brush flat and brush back and forth.
On inside surfaces of front teeth, tilt brush vertically and use gentle up and down strokes with toe of brush.
Brush the tongue in a back-to-front sweeping motion to remove food particles and freshen your mouth.
Remember to spend at least 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth, adding up to two minutes each time you brush. It’s very simple, yet many do it improperly.
Another thing you need to remember is choosing the right toothpaste. There are a variety in the market to choose from. Ask your dentist for recommendations. If you live in the Northridge area and are looking for a dentist in Northridge, click here to book an appointment with us! Most dental professionals agree that your toothbrush should be replaced every 3 months or when the toothbrush seems worn out. Now that you know how to properly brush your teeth, you’re one step closer to that perfect smile.