We all want healthy teeth, and most of us think we know what we have to do to achieve them. We brush twice a day, floss after meals, drink plenty of water, and avoid sugar-filled drinks. So why do we keep getting cavities and less-than-perfect dental checkups? As it turns out, the answer may be as simple as your brushing technique.
In this post, we’re going to break down common tooth brushing mistakes, and how you can improve your tactic for better dental health. Let’s dive in.
The Right Way to Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth is a critical step to prevent cavities and protect your oral health. As you clean the surface of your teeth, you remove dental plaque and bacteria, which lead to dental decay and bad breath. If you want to brush your teeth as effectively as possible, follow these simple tips:
Brush for two minutes. The most effective tooth brushing lasts for two minutes. That’s about the length of two rounds of the “Happy Birthday” song. If you’d like to track your brushing duration without singing, bring a kitchen timer into the bathroom or invest in a toothbrush that does it for you. Many electric toothbrushes (such as Sonicare) have a built-in brush timer and will beep when you have hit the two-minute mark. Bonus – using an electric toothbrush can be more effective than brushing manually.
Use fluoride toothpaste. In addition to removing plaque from your teeth, brushing allows you to replace lost minerals via your toothpaste. For best results, use fluoride toothpaste, which will make your teeth stronger. Dentists recommend using fluoride toothpaste with a concentration of 1350-1500 ppmF, which will be most effective at decreasing tooth decay.
Don’t rinse your mouth. Most of us rinse our mouths with water after brushing. To extend the benefits of your brush session, avoid rinsing. Instead, spit the toothpaste into the sink, leaving the fluoride behind and giving it a more extended opportunity to work.
4 Smart Dental Health Tips
Now that you know how to brush your teeth the right way, here are four additional tips to keep your mouth healthy:
Limit sugar. All of us consume some amount of sugar in our daily diets. To keep your teeth healthy, though, avoid excessive sugar. Dentists recommend limiting your sugar sources to less than 30g per day.
Don’t drink anything after brushing. After you brush your teeth, limit yourself to only drinking water. This keeps your fluoride layer intact and helps your toothpaste strengthen your teeth.
Hold your toothbrush right. The ADA recommends holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums for the most effective brushing.
See your dentist regularly. Last but not least, be sure to see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, both of which will protect and extend your oral health.
When it comes to keeping your teeth healthy, we’re your dentist of choice in Orange Beach, AL. Our team will help you protect your dental health, reduce cavities, and expose the natural brilliance of your teeth. Contact us today to learn more.