Brushing your teeth is something you learn from a young age. You get so used to brushing that you hardly think about whether you’re doing it correctly. It becomes easy to fall into bad brushing habits that would make any general dentist in Webster concerned.
These habits result in improperly cleaning the surfaces of the teeth and leading to tooth decay and other oral health conditions. Good brushing habits include more than how often you brush your teeth and how you hold your toothbrush. Follow these tips to boost your technique and impress your Webster, NY, dentist on your next visit!
1. Choose the Right Kind of Toothbrush
Your dental care starts with the right toothbrush. Research[1] shows that people who use electric toothbrushes develop fewer cavities and have healthier gums than those who stick with manual brushes. Their gums are typically healthier and tend to hold onto their teeth longer than those who stick with a manual brush.
Electric toothbrushes with an oscillating head remove plaque the most effectively. Removing plaque from your tooth surfaces minimizes tooth decay and gum disease.
Whether you prefer the electric or manual option, the bristles on the brush head affect your oral health, too. Opt for a soft-bristled brush. It is gentler on your teeth and gums because the bristles bend more easily. A soft-bristle toothbrush also reaches areas of your mouth that are more difficult to clean.
2. Use the Correct Brushing Technique
There are four different methods for brushing your teeth. All will remove plaque and food particles, but some methods are better for patients with gum disease.
Stillman’s brushing method removes plaque by directing the bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line. The bristles should be split between the gums and the tooth’s surface while you make light, short horizontal movements.
When you use the Bass method, you also hold the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline. However, apply slight pressure to make the bristles reach under the gum line. As a result, you’ll remove the most bacteria and keep your gums healthy.
Charter’s brushing method is helpful for patients with traditional braces. The bristles must be at a 45-degree angle to remove plaque and debris above the brackets and wires. Then, switch directions so you can clean below the appliances.
The circular brushing method is the most common of the four. Maintain a 45-degree angle toward the gum line with your bristles. Make small circular motions using light pressure. Each stroke should overlap the tooth surface.
3. A General Dentist in Webster Wants You to Brush Twice Daily
Your general dentist in Webster and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend brushing your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. You should brush for two to four minutes, depending on your specific needs, and remember to brush your tongue. Although the ADA says brushing your tongue doesn’t necessarily impact your oral health[2], keeping it clean does help remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
4. Replace Your Toothbrush
The best interval for replacing your toothbrush is approximately every three to four months. But you can change it as often as you’d like, especially if you were recently sick. Opening a new toothbrush can help you avoid reinfection.
Other signs you may need to replace your toothbrush include:
- Frayed bristles
- It doesn’t smell good
- Your teeth do not feel clean after brushing
If you don’t remember when you last replaced it, it’s time to get a new one!
5. Avoid Over Brushing
Routine brushing is vital to healthy teeth and gums. However, you can have too much of a good thing. Brushing more than three times a day or too aggressively contributes to tooth abrasion, receding gums, and sensitive teeth.
6. Wait to Brush After Meals
Sometimes, after finishing a meal, you can’t wait to have that fresh, clean feeling in your mouth again. However, waiting at least half an hour before picking up the toothbrush would be best.
Foods like orange juice and tomatoes contain acids that soften enamel. Waiting 30 minutes will allow your saliva to restore a neutral pH. Instead, swish water around your mouth to help neutralize the acids until enough time has passed and you can brush.
Get More Brushing Tips From a General Dentist in Webster
Developing good brushing habits will help your teeth remain healthy for many years. Call Empire Dental Care at 585-671-1650 to schedule a consultation and learn more brushing tips for a confident, vibrant smile.
Sources:
[2] https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/tongue-scrapers/
