Are You Brushing Properly?

Are You Brushing Properly?

Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth is a simple act, one that most of us do not even think about as we are doing it.  We walk around or stare off into space going through the motions.  Properly brushing our teeth involves more than simply running a brush over the teeth with toothpaste.  There is a method to the brushing that makes it more effective which can improve not only our oral health, but our overall health as well.  Learning proper brushing technique can help to maintain better oral health in between dental visits and reduce the need for fillings and other costly dental work.

Not only is brushing technique important but selecting the best type of toothpaste for your teeth is another key element in improving your dental hygiene.  Your dentist or hygienist can help recommend a toothpaste that is best based on individual dental care needs.  There are toothpastes that can provide relief for those of us with sensitive teeth, for example.  Additionally, using a toothpaste that has fluoride will help defend against tooth decay and can even reverse the very earliest stages of decay.

Remember 2 for 2: brush your teeth for 2 minutes with a soft-bristled brush at least 2 times a day. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush with a size and shape that fits comfortably in your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.  Replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months or when it shows signs of wear.  A worn toothbrush can’t do a proper job of cleaning your teeth.  Use a small amount of toothpaste that contains fluoride, never swallow toothpaste.  Proper brushing technique involves placing your brush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and gums. Gently move your brush back and forth in short strokes across the tooth surfaces and gums. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth, top and bottom jaw. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes. Brush your tongue and the inside of your cheeks to remove bacteria and help keep your breath fresh. Pay special attention to brush the back of your teeth, top and bottom, an area that is hard to reach and often neglected.  Infrequent or ineffective brushing creates an opportunity for bacteria and food debris to build up and cause tooth decay.  Be diligent!

We can provide day to day advice and skills development to help our patients build healthy oral hygiene habits for the entire family as well as be here when you are experiencing a problem. Visit our dental clinic in Edmonton for all your family’s dental care needs.