Believe it or not, there is a right way to brush your teeth! You have been brushing your teeth twice a day for most of your life and you may be doing it wrong. Brushing your teeth the correct way keeps your gums healthier and your mouth cleaner. Today is a new day, so learn the best way to brush your teeth and put it into practice. You’ll be glad you did!

Technique Matters

When you exercise, the proper technique simultaneously yields the best results and protects your muscles. The same is true when you brush your teeth. The proper technique yields the best results and protects your mouth. The American Dental Association recommends putting your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gums, not perpendicular. Instead of brushing straight across your teeth, you should make short tooth-wide strokes. It’s important to brush every surface of your tooth—the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. To effectively brush the inner surface, turn your brush vertically and make gentle up and down strokes. Hold your toothbrush gently in your hand and be cautious not to brush too hard or you may unintentionally scrape away enamel.

What Else Matters?

The tool that you use also makes a difference for optimum cleaning. Both electric and manual toothbrushes will effectively remove plaque and debris from your teeth. It is important to make sure that your toothbrush is the correct size, meaning it is small enough to reach every tooth easily. You also need to switch out your toothbrush every three to four months, or when the bristles become frayed. Frayed or worn bristles will not adequately clean your teeth. The amount of time you brush your teeth also matters when it comes to protecting your mouth. The ADA encourages you to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. Flossing between your teeth is also key to removing bacteria and food particles that can lead to tooth decay.

What Your Teeth Say About You

Clean teeth do not just represent good hygiene. Brushing your teeth for the recommended time, while using the correct technique, protects your teeth from cavities. A cavity is a damaged area on the hard surface of your tooth that creates a hole or small opening. This leads to extreme sensitivity or tooth pain, and can create more serious problems if it’s not addressed. It’s important to brush your teeth regularly so that you remove any debris or bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. We recommend brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, so that you carry fluoride directly to every tooth, strengthening enamel and providing further protection.

If you have questions about proper oral hygiene, contact us at Anderson & Atkins DDS. Regular dental visits are also the key to effective oral health. Our office is located in the Bryan-College Station area and our team is skilled in treating both children and adults. Correct brushing at home is necessary, but further prevention and treatment of tooth decay happen at the dentist office. Schedule an appointment for your cleaning today.