How To Brush Your Teeth

Whatever your age, brushing your teeth should be an essential part of your overall dental care routine. Tooth brushing helps to remove food particles between your teeth and supports healthy gums and oral hygiene. Another aspect of keeping your teeth and gums in a healthy condition is visiting the dentist regularly. 

Combining all of these factors will ensure your family’s oral health is a top priority to avoid future issues. Take a look at some of the common questions about dental health and our short guide to proper brushing. 

Why you need to brush your teeth

On a basic level, if you don’t clean your teeth, you’ll first notice aspects such as bad breath and a coating or film on your teeth. In more severe cases, not brushing your teeth will contribute to gum disease and potentially tooth loss. The American Dental Association recommends you brush your teeth for at least two minutes, two times a day. 

Why should you visit the dentist regularly? 

Alongside cleaning your teeth, an important part of your overall dental hygiene routine should be visiting the dentist. Most professionals recommend attending an appointment every six months for a check-up or as and when advised by your dentist. A dental visit typically includes a check-up of your oral hygiene and addressing any problems you might be having. In some cases, you may also need an x-ray to take a closer look. 

Next up is a thorough cleaning, and the dentist usually removes plaque that is hard to shift with brushing and flossing. Once this is completed, they will offer advice on how to maintain your oral health going forward. This might include showing you how to floss and brush properly. Plus, they may also recommend fluoride toothpaste that is good for keeping plaque and bacteria under control. 

On your dentist visit, you may need extra work completed, such as a filling or more extensive cleaning, and this will be discussed at your appointment. 

Teeth brushing 101

Brushing your teeth is simple but to make sure you reach every area, check out our short guide to keep your teeth and gums healthy. 

Brush twice a day 

The American Dental Association and dentists recommend you brush your teeth and gums for two minutes, twice a day. 

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush

It’s a common misconception that you need to use a hard-bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth. Unless you have extensive staining or oral health issues, dentists recommend using soft bristles and a brush that is a suitable size to fit in all areas of your mouth. 

Use an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste

There are different types of toothpaste on the market, but to get the best cleaning power, opt for an ADA accepted brand for peace of mind. 

Brushing technique

Brushing your teeth and gums sounds simple, but there is a proper technique to follow to ensure you reach all of the areas of your mouth. Take a look below:

• Tilt the brush at 45-degrees to the gums. 
• Move your toothbrush back and forth in smooth and short strokes (approximately tooth-wide). 
• To clean the inside of the front teeth, tilt the toothbrush vertically and move it up and down. 
• Be sure to brush at the gum line to remove bacteria. 
• Floss every day to remove food particles between your teeth. 

Common tooth brushing mistakes people make

Keeping on top of your oral health is simple; however, people make some common mistakes when brushing their teeth. Take a look at some of them below:

Choosing the wrong brush

There are a vast number of toothbrushes on the market, and it can be challenging to pick the best one. Your dentist may be able to recommend suitable options, but an important aspect is whether it has soft bristles. Bristles that can bend and get under the gum line will help remove plaque. The size of the head is also important, as the toothbrush needs to reach all areas of your mouth easily. 

Be gentle

It’s easy to get carried away on your teeth and gums, but this can do more harm than good. Be gentle when brushing, and don’t scrub too hard as this can irritate your gums. 

Avoid rushing

We’ve all been there, late for work, and rushing out the door. However, if you rush your tooth brushing regularly, you are not removing the bacteria properly. Set a timer if it helps and makes sure you get that two minutes locked down. 

Brushing your teeth and keeping your gums healthy is a vital part of your overall health and hygiene. If you’d like more information and tips on brushing, speak to your Asheville dentist for more information.