Rialto CA Dentist Shares Tooth Brushing Tips
Hopefully you brush your teeth at least twice a day. That’s what we’re always told, right? Unfortunately, there are many other things about brushing your teeth that we are not reminded of very often. Specifically, how to properly brush your teeth in a way that keeps your teeth clean while also preventing accidental damage. If you follow these 3 guidelines regarding tooth brushing from our Chino CA dentist, you'll enjoy a healthier smile for much longer.
Brush Your Teeth the Right Way
You may be brushing your teeth the wrong way. It's important to pay attention to your technique to ensure you're getting a better, more efficient cleaning. Even if you consider yourself a diligent and focused brusher, there may be ways to improve this task:
1. Hold the brush lightly. Do not exert too much pressure on the teeth with the brush—this will damage your enamel and gums.
2. Hold the bristles at a 45 degree angle. It has been demonstrated that this angle is the most beneficial for removing plaque from all tooth surfaces as well as the gum line.
3. Use small, circular motions. Don’t just brush back and forth or up and down. This harms delicate tissues in your mouth. Small circular motions are gentler and allow the bristles to reach more places on the teeth.
Use the Right Toothbrush
Although you may find options for medium and hard bristled toothbrushes, dental professionals almost universally recommend soft bristled brushes. That’s because soft bristles are not as abrasive and therefore do not wear down enamel. Hard bristled brushes have even been found to contribute to gum recession.
If you want to take an extra step, using an electric, ultrasonic toothbrush is the best way to brush properly. The latest models of electric toothbrushes come with timers and sensitivity gauges, which shuts off the brush if you are pressing too hard. These types of toothbrushes make the process foolproof.
Do Not Rinse With Water When You are Finished
One of the most surprising things people learn about proper brushing is that you should not rinse with water afterwards, as almost everyone instinctively does. Rinsing your mouth out removes the majority of fluoride ions in the toothpaste. Fluoride is responsible for keeping your teeth strong and fighting off bacteria. By rinsing after brushing, it’s almost as if you never brushed at all.
Employing these tips in your daily brushing routine will go a long way in making your smile shine, and will make your trips to our Chino CA dentist much easier.
