How To Brush Your Teeth

Do you want a healthy set of teeth and a healthy body? Do you want a radiant smile to go along with your shining personality? Are you scared to smile because of what is hiding behind your lips? If you answered yes to any of those questions, visiting your local Fairview dentist might be for you! Most people want a set of pearly whites to complete their look and understand the importance of brushing their teeth. Surprisingly, many people don’t know how to brush their teeth properly. It doesn’t seem like a hard thing to do but there definitely is a right and a wrong way to brush those chompers. Incorrect brushing can lead to tooth decay and sore gums so why not learn how to brush your teeth possible to give yourself the best chance at optimal oral health.

Here is a complete guide to brushing your teeth properly:

#1 Toothbrush: Choosing the right toothbrush is the first step towards brushing correctly. You will want to choose a toothbrush that is an appropriate size for your mouth. Make sure the brush can fit comfortably all the way to the back of your mouth and fit comfortably in your hand. Brushing your teeth isn’t exactly the most fun activity in the world and you certainly don’t need to make it any more uncomfortable with the wrong toothbrush. Using an electronic toothbrush is a great option for many people as it requires less effort and may clean more effectively than a manual brush. You will also want to make sure that you change your toothbrush regularly.

#2 Toothpaste: Choosing the right toothpaste is equally as important as choosing the right toothbrush. You want to choose toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel of your teeth and aids in cavity prevention.

#3 The start: Begin by squeezing only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto your brush. Applying too much toothpaste can cause over-sudsing, which may lead to you spitting the paste out too early.

#4 Positioning: Set your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line.

#5 The motion: Instead of brushing across your teeth, use a short vertical or circular motion.

#6 Spend the time and keep track: Brush a few teeth at a time and work your way around your mouth. A solid brushing should take at least two minutes and cover all surfaces of your teeth. In order to keep track of what you have and haven’t brushed, split your mouth into quadrants (upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right). If you get bored while brushing, try watching TV.

#7 Brushing molars: Brush your molars by starting with the brush perpendicular to your lips. Work the brush in an in-out motion and start at the back and work your way to the front. Repeat on both the bottom and top and left and right sides of your mouth.

#8 Brushing the tongue: Bacteria love to reside on your tongue and can be very unhealthy for your teeth and gums. Gently brush your tongue with your regular brush or a special tongue brush.

#9 The end: Make sure to spit out all of the toothpaste and rinse your mouth with either water or mouthwash. Mouthwash can kill any bacteria left behind by your toothbrush.

If you are still unsure about how to properly brush your teeth or would like further tips, just consult your dentist for some help!