Brushing and flossing are of paramount importance to oral hygiene. Though regular professional dental cleanings remove plaque, tartar and debris, excellent homecare methods are equally important. Scottsdale Prosthodontist, Dr. Michael L. Bleeker, shares tips on the proper way to brush:
Your teeth should be brushed at least twice a day; ideally in the morning and before bed. The perfect toothbrush is small in size with soft, rounded-end bristles and no more than three months old. The head of the brush needs to be small enough to access all areas of the mouth, and the bristles should be soft enough so as not to cause undue damage to the gum tissue. The American Dental Association (ADA) has given electric toothbrushes their seal of approval; stating that those with rotating or oscillating heads are more effective than other toothbrushes.
Here is a basic guide to proper brushing:
- Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the gums and teeth meet.
- Use small circular motions to gently brush the gumline and teeth.
- Do not scrub or apply too much pressure to the teeth, as this can damage the gums and tooth enamel.
- Brush every surface of every tooth, cheek-side, tongue-side, and chewing surfaces. Place special emphasis on the surfaces of the back teeth.
- Use back and forth strokes to brush the chewing surfaces.
- Brush the tongue to remove fungi, food and debris.
Research shows that brushing your teeth is non-negotiable, but also that doing it for at least two minutes twice a day is great for your oral health
Take a look at this infographic brought to you by the American Dental Association!
