It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. But it’s just as important to make sure you’re brushing properly, otherwise, you could be doing more harm than good.
To Have the Very Best: Pick Out a Great Electric Toothbrush
A high-quality electric ultrasonic toothbrush is a better option than a manual toothbrush. Scientific research has shown these sonic brushes more capable of disrupting plaque and improving gum health compared with manual brushes. An electric toothbrush should also be easy to use with a built-in timer and adjustable intensity. You just need to hold it in the proper place as you move it around your mouth and it does all the work for you.
Position Your Toothbrush Appropriately
When you brush your teeth, angle your toothbrush slightly towards your gum tissues. Focus on just one or two teeth at a time, instead of scrubbing multiple teeth. Manual brushing should include gentle, short, back-and-forth strokes or gentle up and down circles. Then, move on to the next 1-2 teeth. Avoid overzealous “scrub brushing” brushing back and forth as this will ultimately lead to enamel abrasion (including worn notches in the tooth) and gum recession. Continue on the outside and the inside of all your teeth. Then, brush each chewing surface. Take a look at your teeth after you’ve finished brushing and rinsing to be sure you’ve removed all the bits of food and plaque from your teeth.
If you’re using an electric brush, just angle it appropriately and hold it in place for a few seconds, then move to the next space.
Pick The Correct Texture of Bristles
Always choose to use a toothbrush that has soft or extra-soft bristles. Bristles with a rougher texture are more damaging to your enamel and gum tissue and honestly are only made for artificial dental materials like dentures or partial appliances. They will eventually cause permanent damage to your smile if used regularly and these harder bristles won’t even conform to the small curves of your smile, anyway.
For more brushing tips for the entire family, schedule a checkup at Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan.
