Brushing Techniques & Cleaning Tips
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Brushing our teeth is probably one of the first habits that we learn as a child. It is a crucial pillar of oral hygiene that helps keep tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other dental issues at bay. Brushing, flossing along with regular dental checkups and cleanings, your oral health can set you up for years of a healthy and beautiful smile.
As the leading dentist in Elkin, NC, let ManiDental help you maintain your beautiful smile through good oral hygiene education. We provide comprehensive dental services, which include general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and pediatric dentistry.
The Importance of Proper Brushing
Teeth brushing is a practice that patients should not neglect even for a single day. Its value lies in its ability to remove plaque on the tooth surfaces of our teeth. Whether we see the plaque on our teeth or not, teeth brushing ensures that every tooth surface is clean to keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay.
Proper Brushing Technique
Teeth brushing can either make or break your oral health. Aggressive brushing can also damage the tooth enamel that can also cause receding gums, tooth decay, and tooth sensitivity. According to the American Dental Association, other bad brushing habits include:
- Not replacing your toothbrush
- Improper and fast brushing
- Brushing after eating acidic food
- Improper toothbrush storage
- Using hard-bristled toothbrush
- Improper brushing technique
Learn the proper way of brushing to avoid damaging your teeth and gums:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head makes the best option. It can easily reach the back of your mouth and chewing surfaces and is soft enough to clean and not damage your teeth.
- Brush your teeth in a circular motion, covering the gum line with gentle pressure.
- Use fluoride toothpaste when brushing to provide maximum protection for your teeth.
- Take your time in brushing your teeth for a thorough cleaning. You must at least brush for 2 minutes to make sure all tooth surfaces are cleaned.
- Keep brushing in an area in your mouth for 10 to 15 seconds before moving to the next part. Don’t forget to brush the sides of your cheeks and tongue when brushing.
- Brush your teeth twice a day. One is after breakfast and the other is before bedtime.
- Wait for 1 hour after consuming or drinking anything acidic to brush your teeth.
Toothbrush Cleaning Tips
- Bristled brushes should be stored in a toothbrush holder with enough distance between each head. Toothbrushes can accumulate bacteria and viruses from your mouth. So, mixing it with other toothbrushes can cause cross-contamination of bacteria.
- Separate your toothbrush if you are sick. Once you’ve recovered, replace your toothbrush immediately.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months to avoid the accumulation of too much bacteria.
- Make sure to store your toothbrush in a location away from the toilet and a container where it can air dry.
Different Types of Toothbrushes
Today, there are a lot of options to choose a toothbrush. Each has its pros and cons but will most likely compete when it comes to the convenience that you experience. Here are the types of toothbrushes and their best function:
- Manual toothbrush: This is the usual toothbrush that you manually maneuver to get rid of plaque and food debris. It’s a good option if you are used to cleaning your teeth with your own effort.
- Electric toothbrush: This type of toothbrush uses small but fast movements to break down plaque and get rid of food debris. It requires less effort from you, which means it’s more convenient to use.
- Interdental toothbrush: This is a small toothbrush with thin tips used for cleaning teeth with braces and other dental appliances.
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