Best Practice For Brushing Your Teeth

Tuesday 17th May 2016

Most people develop the habit of brushing their teeth when they are still very young. Generally, parents begin to teach their children to brush their teeth as soon as that first baby tooth pops up. However, you might have gotten into an oral hygiene routine that does not incorporate all of the best practices of brushing your teeth.

Brushing

The most common form of oral care is brushing your teeth. In order to get the most out of your brushing, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. This will keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh. The best way to go about brushing is to start on your top row of teeth and then

 move down to the bottom row. Try using short motions back-and-forth in order to brush away the maximum amount of tartar and bacteria. Remember not to neglect your gums and tongue either. Those fleshy parts of your mouth are just as important to brush as your teeth are. Every surface of your mouth should be getting brushed when you brush your teeth. Take extra care to reach around the back areas of your molars and around any fillings or dental work you have had done. These areas are great at trapping plaque and will start to decay if you aren't careful.

Time

Although two minutes doesn't seem like a long time, many people find it difficult to brush their teeth for the recommended time of two minutes. However, if you are willing to take the time to adequately brush your teeth twice daily, you will find that your oral hygiene will be increa

sed tremendously. Your teeth will be whiter, your breath will be fresher, and you will have less plaque and decay present.

Types of Toothbrushes and Toothpaste

When it comes to toothbrushes, many people feel that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes. However, dentists have found that this effectiveness is nominal. Many people who use electric toothbrushes feel that they make brushing your teeth more fun, heightening the chances of brushing for the recommended amount of time and scouring all surfaces of your teeth.

If you do choose to use a manual toothbrush, be sure to get one that has soft bristles. Also try to get one that fits comfortably in your hand and in your mouth. It is also important to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. This ensures that you are only using your toothbrush while it remains effective. Using an old toothbrush to clean your teeth is like using a dirty rag to clean your hands—it won't work.

If you are brushing your teeth for two minutes and with a good, reliable toothbrush, the toothpaste you use doesn't really matter. Your mouth will be clean and fresh regardless of what your toothpaste claims to be great at. Just make sure that you are taking your time and getting all surfaces of your teeth and mouth clean when you brush your teeth twice a day.