The main reason why you brush your teeth is to fight off cavities and consequently prevent bad breath. But sometimes, the way you brush your teeth makes you more susceptible to cavities, tooth decay and gum disease.
Here are some tips that you should consider to keep a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile.
- Spend Time For Brushing. Dentists recommend brushing for two or three minutes, but most people don’t spend nearly enough time brushing their teeth.
- Watch Yourself While Brushing. Literally, look at yourself in the mirror while brushing your teeth. It is important to see where the brush is actually going. Make sure you don’t miss the gum line, where plaque, tartar and bacteria can build up, and later on cause gingivitis (inflamed and infected gums).
- Brush in Small Circles. Hold the brush so the bristles are at a 45-degree angle to the surface of the teeth and brush in small circles. Focus on a few teeth at once, then move on to the next set, continuing around from one side to the other, top and bottom, front and back. Brush in straight lines on the chewing surfaces. After completing your circles, brush away from the gum line to clear off loosened plaque and bacteria.
- Brush Gently. Brushing too hard increases the chances of enamel. It can be traumatic for sensitive gums, causing irritation and recession.
- Use Soft Brushes. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to minimize damage. Germs also reside in your toothbrush later on so you should replace a regular toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles look worn, frayed and bent. To minimize germs’ day-to-day growth, rinse your brush with hot water after use and allow it to dry completely.
- Choose Your Toothpaste. Baking soda toothpastes are good at getting stains out because they are abrasive but they’re hard on enamel.
- Floss. Flossing gets between your teeth where toothbrushes can’t reach. It’s the best way to avoid cavities, preventing bacteria on thriving in between your teeth.
- Rinse After Brushing. Effective brushing and flossing unbind bacteria-laden plaque from the surface of teeth. Rinsing afterward is a key step to make sure that bacteria leave your mouth for good. You can use a mouthwash or a good rinse-and-spit with water is better than nothing.