Sure you know that you should brush your teeth twice a day, and keep up with dental check-ups, but did you know that there is a lot more to good dental hygiene than that? Brushing twice a day is a great place to start, but not all dental tools and techniques were created equal.
This blog will take a look at how to improve your brushing technique and the tools you use to keep your teeth and mouth in great shape. We hope these tips will help you take your smile to the next level!
Better Brushing Technique
Just running over your teeth with a toothbrush to say you did isn’t enough to really get the job done. It is important to take your time and use a proper brushing technique.
Hold the brush handle securely and try to keep it at a 45 degree angle. Brush only one to three teeth at a time, paying close attention to each tooth and using back and forth strokes. You don’t need to brush hard or grind the brush down into your gums. Use short up and down strokes to clean off the backsides of the teeth.
The Best Toothbrush
There are some things to consider when buying a toothbrush. You should choose a toothbrush that you are comfortable holding and is easy for you to grip. Most dentists recommend a smaller brush so that you can clean all of the hard to reach places in your mouth. They also recommend using a soft bristle brush that has bristles with rounded tips. This is because the harder bristles as well as flat tipped bristles can damage the enamel on teeth.
Flossing for Dental Hygiene
Many people do not realize that flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth in maintaining good dental health. You should floss every time that you brush your teeth. Flossing between each tooth allows you to reach and dislodge any germs and plaque hiding there that can’t be easily reached by a toothbrush.
Don’t try to skimp and use a short piece of floss because that will simply make things more difficult. An 18 inch strand is usually a good place for most people to start. Move the floss along after each tooth so you don’t spread germs and plaque from one tooth to another. Wrap the floss around each tooth and move the floss up and down in a gentle motion, going just slightly below the gum line to properly clean the tooth.
Rinse with Mouthwash
Mouthwash is another wonderful dental hygiene tool. Because of it’s liquid nature it reaches all of the tiny crevices in your mouth that even floss can’t reach. Using mouthwash every time you brush and floss guarantees you are getting your mouth as clean and free of germs and bacteria as you can which goes a long way towards preventing cavities and gum disease. The nice thing about mouthwash is it leaves your mouth feeling super clean and gives you great smelling breath.
Replace Your Toothbrush
You should replace your toothbrush three to four times a year or anytime you feel like it is getting worn. It is also a good idea to replace your toothbrush if you generally don’t like or aren’t happy with how your current toothbrush feels. The bristles of your toothbrush need to be soft enough to reach between teeth and make sure the whole surface of your teeth get cleaned, but firm enough to remove bacteria in between teeth and along the gum line.
Dentist in Murray, UT
Good daily dental hygiene as well as regular dental care are part of a healthy lifestyle and maintaining good overall health. To schedule your next dental cleaning or dental check up, call Ormsby Dental at (801) 407-9956.
