Brushing our teeth has become such a common part of our lives that it´s almost second-nature. But are you doing it right? Brushing your teeth is key for a healthy mouth and when done correctly it can help you avoid things like cavities and gum disease as well as keeping that smile looking good.
Should you be wanting a childrens dentist in Mahwah, or a childrens dentist in Allendale, then get in touch with PDA today, to learn their top tips for clean teeth and a beautiful smile.
Keep your ´teeth cleaning habit´ healthy by following the tips below:
Choose Your Brush Wisely
Just any old toothbrush may not be the one for you. Think about the size of your mouth and if you are straining to open wide enough to let the brush in, the brush is probably too big. The toothbrush should feel good in your mouth and in your hand, so you’ll use it often.
Know your bristles – if they’re really stiff, they can hurt your gums. A soft brush is best.
Electric toothbrushes can make it easier to do a better job, especially if you have arthritis or other trouble with your hands, arms, or shoulders so this is another factor to consider.
Take Your Time
Are you brushing enough? Twice a day is recommended, however some scientists even say three times a day is best.
It should take at least two minutes each time. According to reports of previous studies, the majority of us fall short. The industry also suggests you divide your mouth into four sections and spend thirty seconds on each. To make the time go faster you can watch TV, while you brush.
Some electric toothbrushes have built-in timers and can track how you’re using it by syncing to your smartphone – genius.
Don´t Brush Too Much
Brushing more than three-times-a-day might not be ideal. That’s because too much can wear down your teeth’s enamel, and damage your gums. You should also not bear down too hard on your teeth when brushing – use a delicate touch.
If you use an electric brush, you should let the bristles do the work and just guide the toothbrush around your mouth. You should be gentle as it doesn’t take a lot of force to remove plaque.
Perfect Your Technique
Is your way the right way? Wide, side-to-side strokes can scrape your gum line and damage your mouth for the future. You should hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, and make an up-and-down motion, using short strokes.
You should also brush outer and inner tooth surfaces, back molars, and your tongue, not just your teeth that you can see in the mirror. If you aren’t thorough, plaque has time to set in your mouth and cause damage.
Pick Products Wisely
The kind of toothpaste you use matters. The ones that brighten or control tartar can be harsh and an increase in whitening particles can be harmful and damage your tooth structure.
Go back to plain old fluoride toothpaste. If you want to lighten your smile, you can always switch between whitening toothpaste and regular.
Control That Sweet Tooth
Energy drinks, fizzy drinks, sour sweets as well as healthier alternatives such as apple juice, orange juice, and coffee, all have acid that can soften tooth enamel.
If you do go for that stuff, wait half an hour before you brush. That gives your saliva time to restore tooth enamel.
Contact PDA today to schedule an appointment on the following numbers:
Ridgewood – (201) 652-7020
Fair Lawn – (201) 794-1906
