Brushing your teeth daily isn’t enough if you are not using proper brushing techniques. Brushing correctly is crucial for the health and appearance of their teeth, as well as for staving off the painful gum disease gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. You need to know how to brush your teeth correctly in order to avoid long-term dental problems.
You should be spending thirty seconds on each section of your mouth – upper right, lower right, upper left, and lower left, all together equaling two minutes of teeth brushing. This should be done twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
Make sure to use fluoride-based toothpaste, and a soft-bristle brush. You should replace your toothbrush regularly, about every three months, as a frayed toothbrush can cause be harmful for your gums.
Wrong Ideas On How To Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth quickly and roughly in a zig-zag pattern is the wrong way to brush your teeth. People often believe that hard and fast brushing will accomplish the job quicker and more efficiently. This is incorrect, because this kind of brushing can lead to the erosion of your tooth enamel, a protective layer around your teeth that keeps them strong. Eroding this precious layer of enamel will lead to premature aging of your teeth. It also misses the spaces between your teeth, where food and plaque can build up, leading to cavities and gum disease. This kind of brushing can also be harmful to your gums and make them bleed.
How To Brush Your Teeth The Right Way
- Holding your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle, brush in small strokes directly against the gum line, making sure to brush the inside and outside sections of your teeth.
- Holding your toothbrush flat, brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth in a back-and-forth motion.
- Holding your toothbrush vertically, brush your front teeth in an up-and-down motion.
- Brush your tongue, especially the back of your tongue near the back of your throat, getting rid of food and odor-causing bacteria.
All of these techniques apply to your children as well, but also be sure to remember the following information. Children ages three-six should only be using a small amount of fluoride-based toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Children over six years old can use more. Make sure to use soft-bristled children’s toothbrushes when brushing their teeth, and that they are replaced regularly every three months.
When teaching your children to brush their teeth, remember to teach them the following:
- Spitting out their toothpaste rather than swallowing it.
- Angling their toothbrush correctly.
- Brushing all areas of their teeth.
- Brushing their tongues.
Envision Dental’s highest priority is the health and appearance of your teeth, so be sure to follow these instructions and to brush regularly. Teach your children proper brushing techniques as well. Keeping up on your teeth will prevent long-term damage in the future.
If you have any questions regarding how to brush your teeth, please give us a call.
