Brushing your teeth sounds like an easy task but only a few patients brush their teeth as well as they could. Here are some quick and easy ways to improve how you brush your teeth.
Pick the right brush
It can be difficult to choose from the abundance of options available. It’s very important to have soft bristles, given the hard bristles can actually wear down your tooth structure. Also make sure your chosen brush reaches all your teeth and the brush’s head is comfortable for the size of your mouth.
Go Easy on your teeth
Plaque is soft and loose so you don’t have to scrub. When it comes to brushing, harder isn’t better. Give up the mindset of scrub & brush and replace it with the word massage.
Take your time
Brush twice a day at least for 2 minutes each time. Don’t rush. A good idea is use your mobile phone to set a timer for 2 minutes or if you’re always with your headphones on, your average pop song’s in the 2-3 minute range.
Let your old brush go
If you have a good toothbrush it’s sometimes hard to give it up. But as a rule of thumb replace your toothbrush every time you see changes in the bristles - dirty looking, discoloured and bent bristles mean your brush is way past its prime.
Massage your teeth
You shouldn’t be brushing along your teeth, back and forth, left to right. Instead start from the gum and go up and down in small circular motions. Again, think massage not scrub to avoid damaging your teeth.
Mind the gum line
Bacteria often accumulates exactly where your tooth meets the gum. There is about a millimetre of gum tissue where your tooth comes outside of your gum and angling your brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line can help you get in there.
Don’t brush too soon
Don’t brush right after you had that tasty meal or you’ll be helping the acid erode away your teeth. Wait for some 15 or 20 minutes for the saliva in your mouth to do its work on the acid or rinse out your mouth with some water before you brush.
Brush twice every single day
Don’t let up. Make it part of your daily routine to brush at least twice a day, every single day. If you go in and stir up the bacteria on your teeth twice every day, it keeps them less productive and less dangerous. And remember to make one of those times the full clean - that’s brushing, flossing and mouthwash.
And don’t forget to come in regularly for your dental check up and clean. It will help you to prevent issues with your dental health. Call us on 02 8383 1400 or book your appointment online now.