Brushing your teeth correctly is very essential for maintaining your oral health. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure you’re brushing effectively:
1. Choose the Right Brush and Toothpaste
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums.
- A fluoride toothpaste helps protect against cavities.
2. Position the Brush Correctly
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. This angle allows the bristles to clean both teeth and gumline effectively.
3. Brush Gently in Circular Motions
- Use gentle, circular motions on each tooth. Avoid scrubbing side-to-side, which can wear down enamel and irritate gums.
4. Brush All Surfaces
- Outer surfaces: Start with the outer surfaces of your upper and lower teeth.
- Inner surfaces: Tilt the brush vertically to clean the inside of the front teeth. Often people fail to brush this area.
- Chewing surfaces: Use back-and-forth strokes on the flat, chewing surfaces of the molars.
5. Brush for the Full Two Minutes
- Spend about two minutes brushing to ensure you reach every area. You can use a timer or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer to keep track.
6. Don’t Forget Your Tongue
- Brush your tongue gently from back to front to remove the debris and this keeps your breath fresh.
7. Rinse Your Mouth and Toothbrush
- Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash, then thoroughly rinse the toothbrush. Store it upright to air-dry. You may use an antibacterial mouthwash after brushing.
Extra Tips
- Brush twice a day (morning and night).
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when bristles are frayed.
- Floss daily at least once to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth.
Following these steps consistently; visit your dentist for your regular cleaning appointments and these will help keep your teeth and gums healthy!