Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the most important parts of a good oral hygiene routine.The following tips and advice will help make your brushing routine more effective.
Most people know well enough that brushing their teeth regularly and thoroughly is one of the most important steps in avoiding dental decay and gum disease.
However, many adults do not brush as frequently as they should, for as long as they should, or with as much attention to detail as they should. This can be a result of being in a rush in the morning, being bored with the process, or simply not giving as much attention to a routine task as it really needs.
If you think your brushing routine could use a little improvement, use the following steps as a guide:
Brush your teeth two times a day, every single day, for two full minutes. You may be tempted to just fall into bed after a long day, or rush out of the house in the morning. But remember, brushing your teeth takes only two minutes, and failing to do it consistently will result in cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath.
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Fresh new bristles will do a much better job of cleaning your teeth!
How To Brush Correctly
Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gums, and gently move it back and forth in short strokes. Be sure to brush the whole surface of each tooth, includes the outer, inner and chewing surfaces. When cleaning the inner surfaces (those facing into your mouth) you can tilt your brush vertically and make up-and-down strokes instead.
The areas between the teeth that can’t be reached by your toothbrush should be cleaned at least once daily with dental floss.
Other Tips
Consider an electric toothbrush.
Electric toothbrushes are highly effective in cleaning teeth, and can be really helpful if you are an unenthusiastic brusher! They cover a larger area much more quickly and thoroughly than manual brushes do.
Be sure to choose an electric toothbrush with a brush that rotates in a circular motion, rather than a back and forth motion, for more effective cleaning.
Set a timer.
You should be brushing your teeth for a full 2 minutes each time you brush. Many people think they are brushing for two minutes, when they’re really not. Or, they simply rush through and do the bare minimum. Setting a time will help keep you honest! Some electric toothbrushes even come with a built in timer.
Keep a toothbrush at work.
If you want to get an extra brushing session in after you eat lunch, try keeping a toothbrush and some toothpaste at work, either in your desk, or your locker. This will not only remove food particles and bacteria, it will help keep your breath fresh too, which your coworkers will appreciate!