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5 Tips to Brushing Your Teeth Better

According to the CDC, 25.9% of adults aged 20-44 live with untreated dental cavities. 

 

Brushing your teeth is an essential step to making sure you’re not a member of that 25.9%.

 

Best tooth-brushing practices, however, are not developed overnight. We’ve compiled five tips that will optimize your tooth-brushing experience. In combination with our hygiene services, these tips will help keep your teeth fresh and cavity-free.

 

 

Brush for Two Minutes Each Time


If you’ve ever wondered “how long should you brush your teeth,” wonder no more. Two minutes is the perfect amount of time to clean your teeth.

 

While brushing your teeth, you should hit all parts of your mouth. That includes not only the front of your teeth but the backs and sides of your teeth as well. When you brush for less than two minutes, you don’t have the time to give the entirety of your teeth their due.

 

Although brushing for two minutes can feel like a long time, brushing an appropriate length of time is key to proper hygiene. If your kids struggle to maintain their tooth brushing, try to use some tooth brushing songs to keep them invested.

 

 

Don’t Forget Your Gum Line While Brushing Your Teeth


One spot often missed while brushing is the gum line. The aptly named gum line lies at the edges of the tops of your teeth, lining them between your gums.

 

Because they’re harder to reach than other parts of your teeth, pay extra attention to bits of exposed teeth near your gum line. Those portions are especially susceptible to cavities and can lead to gum disease if left uncleaned.

 

 

Brush Your Teeth Softly


Many people think they need to brush their teeth hard to get rid of hard-to-clean plaque. In reality, gentle brushing is not only equal but better than hard brushing. 

 

Hard brushing slowly wears down your enamel and gum line, leaving them more susceptible to cavities. The appearance of cavities on the top of your teeth and over-exposed teeth are two key signs you brush your teeth too aggressively. 

 

Next time you brush, make sure your bristles stand flush against your teeth, rather than bending as you brush. 

 

Change Your Toothbrush Frequently


Like any tool, toothbrushes wear out over time. An overused toothbrush simply isn’t as effective at removing plaque as a new one.

 

An old toothbrush not only fails at cleaning but may actively make your mouth dirtier. Older toothbrushes are far more prone to bacterial or fungal growth, which can at best cause bad breath and at worse lead to disease.

 

To ensure proper hygiene, switch out your toothbrush head once every three months. 

 

Use an Electric Toothbrush


One way to accomplish all the tips above is through using an electric toothbrush.

 

Electric toothbrushes automatically stay on for the entirety of two minutes. Their soft bristles allow for easy brushing, and their vibrations effortlessly reach your gum line. 

 

We recommend Philips Sonicare electric toothbrushes. These brushes offer several brushing modes, plus removable heads for different brushing needs. We have these available at our clinic for a reasonable price. Please ask your hygienist next time you have an appointment.

 

Book an Appointment for Continued Dental Care


When brushing your teeth, use these five tips to ensure the most efficient brushing process possible. To stay clean, however, you’ll need to do more than brush.

 

Book an appointment with us today so we can work as a team to help keep your teeth clean.

 

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