The first line of defense for fighting off tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease is knowing how to brush your teeth correctly. Making sure that you are brushing your teeth properly is important because improper brushing can strip teeth of their protective enamel. Many of us believe that brushing harder and back and forth, in a sawlike motion, will clean our teeth faster. The opposite is true. Brushing our teeth quickly and in a back and forth motion will strip the enamel of your teeth, making your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold food. Brushing in this way can also cause the toothbrush to bounce between teeth, instead of cleaning between. Learning how to brush your teeth is vital to maintaining a healthy smile.
First, you will want to start with the proper tools. A soft bristled brush is the best type of brush to use, if you have any questions about what type of brush to purchase or how to brush your teeth, your dentist at Cedar Creek Dental will be happy to help.
Remember that you need to get a new toothbrush after 3 months. Also, toothbrushes that have become frayed should be thrown out when the begin to fray. A worn out toothbrush doesn’t clean teeth very well.
Once you have equipped yourself with the proper tooth brush and an ADA accepted Fluoride toothpaste, you are ready to begin.
This guide for how to brush your teeth can be used for children also. The only difference is that you may need to assist them, especially with the inside and back teeth. Be sure to use a very small amount of toothpaste for children, about the size of a pea.
It may feel strange at first brushing your teeth this way if you’re not used to it. If you continue to follow this routine for two minutes twice daily, it will become very natural. If you have any questions about your dental health, don’t hesitate to contact Cedar Creek Dental. Learning how to brush your teeth properly, flossing and having a healthy diet is your ticket to maintaining a healthy smile for life. Don’t forget, it is essential to schedule a dental checkup 2 times per year for exams and cleanings to check for cavities!