How To Brush Your Teeth

This may seem like a simple day-to-day activity that no human could get wrong. However, many people are under the impression that they know exactly how to brush their teeth when in reality there are many alterations that they should make in order to perfect the process. For example, how long do you spend brushing your teeth? Is it over two minutes? It should be at least  120 seconds long and no less than twice a day. But where else do people go wrong when brushing their teeth? Let’s see!

The Toothbrush

Dentists and professionals have come to the conclusion that a soft bristled brush is better for removing plaque and debris from the teeth. Because our teeth are often small, we should use a small headed toothbrush to reach all the necessary places in our mouth. Also, remember to replace your toothbrush on a regular basis, at least every four months, to avoid the bristles wearing out and becoming ineffective.

The Materials Used

Fluoride is the essential ingredient in toothpaste. This chemical, although it is dangerous to ingest in large amounts, can help strengthen your tooth enamel and remove plaque at the same time. So ensure that your toothpaste contains fluoride, but be careful not to swallow it.

Flossing is a process that dentists have insisted on for years, because all too often the average person skips this step altogether. However, experts have said that using dental floss is just as important as brushing your teeth. Flossing gets food and plaque out of places which cannot be reached by the toothbrush.

Mouthwash is not essential but it is still a good material to use to rinse your mouth out after brushing your teeth. The mouthwash should contain fluoride, the same as the toothpaste. One should always use dental floss before brushing their teeth, and then lastly rinse their mouth with either salt water or mouthwash.

The Process of Brushing

Systematically, your teeth can be brushed in a way that removes as much plaque as possible. The brush should be placed at a 45-degree angle from the gum line and vertical or circular movements, rather than horizontal movements, should be made. Many people also misunderstand the amount of pressure needed to remove plaque. Michael Sesemann, DDS, is an expert in the field of dentistry and he says that you shouldn’t bear it too hard, but rather “use a lighter touch.” It is quite serious because over brushing or brushing too hard could damage your teeth enamel and your gums. But what about your breath? After all, while we want to keep our teeth healthy, most of us are mainly concerned about having a bad breath. Be sure to brush your tongue gently as well. Your tongue harvests bacteria so it is important to give it a light brush on a regular basis.

Brushing your teeth is not as simple as many people think, it is an acquired skill. Don’t forget that brushing your teeth is vital for your health, and if you are not doing it properly then it might not be working as well as you wish. So brush your teeth at least twice a day, and brush them properly. Be the person who stops people dead in their tracks with only one glorious smile.