Brushing

Brushing your teeth properly isn’t difficult, but it does take some time and attention. Unfortunately, many people think that brushing their teeth and brushing their teeth well are the same thing. Without proper brushing habits, you might find yourself with one or several dental issues. Improper brushing can cause bad breath, cavities, or other oral health concerns. While just about any type of teeth-brushing is better than none at all, why not take some time and get it just right? Every little step you take towards a better brushing routine is another step you take towards great oral health. Be forewarned: no amount of teeth-brushing will prevent you from needing to visit the dentist regularly! However, it may very well reduce your chances of needing a more serious procedure than your bi-annual oral cleaning.

The sooner you start , the better!

When to Brush

Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every time you eat or drink something other than water. However, to most people, that sounds quite ridiculous, if not outright impossible. To compromise, you’ll hear most dentists recommend that you brush at least twice daily: once in the morning and once at night. Brushing your teeth twice per day can keep gingivitis at bay. That’s because it takes approximately 24 hours for bacteria to repopulate in the mouth. By brushing twice daily, you reduce the chances that harmful bacteria can wear down your teeth and gums. Plus, when you brush at night, you’ll probably notice far less severe morning breath.

How To Brush

You’ve probably heard that you should brush your teeth in circular motions, and that’s true. That’s why a lot of electric toothbrushes have circular brush heads, and also sweep in a similar motion. Make sure to gently brush your gums as well. Bacteria tend to stick to the gums. Furthermore, food and plaque can soon blend in to match the color of your teeth and gums. Additionally, brushing the tongue or using the scraper on the back of your toothbrush can eliminate food residue and prevent bad breath.

How Long To Brush

Many people don’t brush their teeth as long as they should. This reduces the effectiveness of the overall routine. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, being sure to brush all areas of your mouth. This includes the back of your teeth, which can collect plaque as well. Time flies—unless you’re brushing your teeth. If you have trouble brushing for at least a full two minutes, consider buying an electric toothbrush. Many models come with automatic timers and will vibrate to let you know when two minutes have passed.

Oral cleanings can make a huge difference.

A Dental Hygienist Can Help!

When you schedule your oral checkup and teeth cleaning with Gentle Dental Care, you can be sure that our dental hygienist will help you restore your oral health. A thorough teeth cleaning can reverse months or years of neglect and improper brushing habits. If you haven’t been brushing your teeth the way you should, let Gentle Dental Care give you a fresh start. Call us today at (281) 855-1100 or schedule your next appointment online!