At-Home Brushing Tips For Cleaner Teeth

Brushing your teeth is one of the best things that you can do to prevent cavities from forming. Flossing is also important for removing plaque that builds up between your teeth and along the gum line. Listed below are some helpful brushing tips that can help you improve your at-home dental hygiene routine.

How To Brush Your Teeth Correctly?

Many people don’t know how to brush their teeth properly, or they end up with improper brushing habits that end up making their teeth more dirty and prone to decay. The secret to healthy teeth requires a combination of proper at-home dental care and professional oral health visits at your dentist’s office. It is important to follow these tips to brush your teeth at home correctly.

• Make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush. The harder the bristles of your toothbrush are, the more likely they are to cause abrasions to the enamel on your teeth. This increases your risk for tooth decay and gum disease, so find a toothbrush with soft bristles that is gentle on your teeth and gums.
• From electric to manual, there are all kinds of toothbrushes to choose from. While an electric toothbrush can make brushing easier for kids and certain adults, a manual brush can be just as effective when used correctly. Consider talking to your dentist about which type of toothbrush is best for you. He or she may even have a recommendation.
• Holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle is the best way to brush effectively. You should apply the proper amount of pressure when brushing, but too much pressure can damage the gums and lead to gum recession. When holding the brush at the appropriate angle, you should make small circular motions as you clean each surface of your teeth.
• Clean the outer surfaces of each of your front teeth before you move on to cleaning the inside surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. This will help to remove plaque and food debris from your teeth and avoid having them get trapped in between teeth and along the gum line.
• Be sure to also brush your tongue when you are finished brushing the rest of your mouth. Bacteria can hide on the tongue and cause bad breath, so be sure to remove this bacteria when you brush to keep your mouth as fresh as possible.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months. If you are using a manual toothbrush, be sure to change the bristles out every few months as well to avoid contact with the old bacteria-filled bristles. Ideally, you should replace your toothbrush after a bout of any illness. This is because viruses can lead to infected gums, and the microbes that cause periodontal disease can be passed from person to person through saliva contact.
• After you’ve brushed your teeth, you can rinse your mouth out with clean water and then floss between each pair of teeth to remove any additional debris that may be hiding there. Choosing a strong threader can help to make this process easier.

Ygnacio Dental is located at 1766 Lacassie Ave, Suite 101, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. Call (925) 280-2848 to schedule an appointment or to learn more tips for improving your oral health.