We often have this question of what is the best way to brush our teeth so that we don’t miss out on crucial areas and don’t need to go through the painful dental treatments that can make us anxious. ProSmiles are a family dentist Collingwood who can help you learn more about how to correctly brush your teeth. Here are some key points to remember:
- Toothpaste: Always go for a fluoridated toothpaste, fluoride helps to fight caries and neutralises the pH of the mouth. Toothpaste approximately a pea size should be placed on the toothbrush.
- 2 minutes 2 times a day: Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft bristles toothbrush for at least 2 minutes each time.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or when your bristles start getting dull or discoloured.
- Never brush in a horizontal manner or with a lot of pressure as it can cause a lot of enamel abrasion and sensitivity.
How to brush your teeth
- Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Move the brush back and forth gently in short strokes.
- Brush the outer surfaces, the inside surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of all teeth.
- To clean the inside surface of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh
Of course, brushing is a part of your oral hygiene routine. You also need to:
- Floss. To remove food particles stuck in between two teeth, you will need to floss. Tooth decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing should be done correctly and before brushing and rinsing the mouth.
- Tongue cleaning. Your tongue harbors a lot of bacteria in the form of a mucus layer on the tongue. You can use the back of your toothbrush that usually has an inbuilt tongue cleaner or for a more thorough cleaning, use a tongue scraper. This tool is usually made of soft, flexible plastic and gently peels the thin mucus-based layer of debris from the tongue. Rinse the scraper under warm water after each swipe of the tongue.
A mouthwash rinse used after cleaning your tongue moisturises and sterilises the mouth and kills additional bacteria. Remember, maintaining fresh breath goes beyond routine tooth brushing. Getting into the habit of giving your tongue adequate attention will help keep your breath neutral and fresh. Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks to reduce the number of acid attack on teeth. Always rinse your mouth after every meal. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination. If you are concerned about the state of your teeth, contact our family dentist in Collingwood on (03) 9417 6355 today.