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The Do’s and Don’ts of Brushing Your Teeth
Are you ready to learn how to brush your teeth in the right way?
If you think you’re already a tooth brushing rockstar, guess again.
We bet you don’t know at least one of these teeth brushing pointers we’re about to share with you.
In this article, you will find common teeth brushing myths debunked for you. We separated fact from fiction so you can give your smile the dental care it deserves.
If you’re just now realizing that you’ve been brushing incorrectly or if you’re unsure whether you’ve been doing it wrong for years, don’t worry.
Your whole life is not a lie.
In fact, there a lot of adults who don’t know proper teeth brushing technique.
That’s why we created this in-depth guide for you to learn the do’s and don’ts of brushing your teeth and how you can start brushing the right way right now.
Keep reading to find out how you can master the science of brushing your teeth.
How to Brush Your Teeth the Right Way
Learn Proper Teeth Brushing Technique Right Now
Brushing your teeth can be an easy task, but it is important to train your brain to brush the right way.
Read on to discover…
- What you need to brush your teeth
- How long you should brush your teeth
- How often you should brush your teeth
- The do’s and don’ts of brushing your teeth
And a whole lot more.
First, let’s get back to the basics and revisit what you’ll need to brush your teeth the right way.
What You Need to Brush Your Teeth Properly
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Floss — Oral-B, Listerine, Dr. Tungs, Tom’s and Reach are some of the best dental floss brands.
- Toothpaste — Some of the most trusted toothpaste brands are Crest, Colgate, Sensodyne, and Tom’s.
- Toothbrush — Your toothbrush is one of your most important teeth-brushing tools. Read on to find out when it’s time for a new toothbrush.
- Your bathroom sink — This is an easy one! Just rinse your mouth thoroughly and spit toothpaste residue in the sink.
Did you know… the teeth-brushing tools you use matter! If you have sensitive teeth or are preparing a child to brush their teeth properly, purchase a soft bristle toothbrush. Soft bristle brushes are easy on the gums and your enamel and won’t cause excessive bleeding in your mouth.
Bonus Toothbrush Tip:
Do you know when it’s time for a new toothbrush?
While the general rule is to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, there are times when you need to replace it sooner.
Here are three reasons you need to replace your toothbrush right now:
- You were recently sick.
- Your toothbrush bristles are frayed.
- Your teeth don’t feel clean even after brushing correctly.
With the right tools, you can give your smile the dental care it needs daily.
Now that you’re prepared with the proper teeth-brushing tools let’s look at how long and often you should brush your teeth.
How Long And How Often Should You Brush
As a rule of thumb, you should spend two full minutes brushing your teeth to get the job done right.
For best results, brush 2-3 times daily and floss daily.
FYI… Proper teeth brushing technique means no tooth left behind! Make sure to give the back of your mouth just as much attention as the front.
If you follow these general teeth-brushing guidelines, you are already in great shape to keep your smile clean and healthy.
Now for the fun part.
Are you committing any of these teeth brushing don’ts?
5 signs you’re brushing your teeth incorrectly:
- Your gums bleed during or after brushing
- You have chronic bad breath that won’t go away
- You find food in between your teeth even after brushing
- Your gum line is receding and you don’t know why
- Your toothbrush is dry more often than it is wet
Keep reading to learn what you should do and what you absolutely should not do when brushing your pearly whites.
The Do’s And Don’ts Of Brushing Your Teeth
Don’t: Scrub your teeth with the maximum force
Do: Brush gently with light pressure
Did you know… brushing your teeth gently will still get the job done effectively without harming your enamel or your gums.
Don’t: Brush with an old or worn toothbrush
Do: Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months
Did you know… toothbrushes go bad. An old toothbrush isn’t as effective, and it’s not hygienic. A dirty brush means a dirty mouth. Be sure to replace your toothbrush regularly.
Don’t: Store your toothbrush close to the toilet
Do: Keep your toothbrush in a cabinet, safe from bathroom residue
Did you know… when you flush the toilet, microscopic bacteria can spray up to 10 feet in the air. Don’t infect your toothbrush or your mouth.
Don’t: Speed through the teeth brushing process
Do: Spend a full two minutes brushing all of your teeth
Did you know… cavities usually arise in areas that are further from your reach. Be sure to give all your teeth equal care.
Don’t: Brush in a circular motion
Do: Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle
Did you know… brushing your teeth in a circular motion can cause gum recession, which is when your gums wear away. Gum recession has the potential to cause your teeth to fall out.
Don’t: Skip the tongue
Do: Brush or scrape your tongue at least once per day
Did you know… your tongue can host a wealth of bacteria if left unbrushed. If your tongue looks white, you’ll know if it needs some extra love. A pink tongue means a clean tongue. Your tongue is an important part of your mouth. Treat it that way.
Don’t: Keep your toothbrush in an enclosed container
Do: Allow your toothbrush to air dry naturally
Did you know… bacteria grows in dark, damp areas. Don’t subject your toothbrush – or your teeth – to that.
Don’t: Brush once and think you’re good to go
Do: Shift your attention to your teeth at least twice a day
Did you know… acidic foods and drinks can cause plaque and tartar on your teeth. Be sure to brush after ingesting anything that might cause cavities and tooth decay.
Don’t: Use one long stroke to cover all your teeth at once
Do: Give each tooth attention by brushing in small, side-to-side strokes
Did you know… small brush strokes give you a better chance of removing stubborn food particles stuck in between your teeth.
Don’t: Avoid flossing until your next dental appointment
Do: Floss on a daily basis
Did you know… flossing will cut down on time at the dentist, and it might even result in less tooth-related problems for you. Flossing gets into the tiny spaces your toothbrush can’t reach, so it’s a definite must-do in your at-home dental care routine.
Don’t: Stay away from the dentist for life
Do: Visit your dentist on a regular basis.
Did you know… you should visit the dentist every 6-12 months depending on your teeth. During your visit, you’ll get professional teeth cleaning along with even more teeth brushing tips and techniques.
Now that you know how to brush your teeth effectively, let’s talk about what else you can do to keep your smile in optimal health.
Visit Your Leander Dentist Regularly
Brushing on your own isn’t enough. You need to visit your dentist regularly.
Dental professionals use advanced materials and medical-grade tools to clean your teeth better than any at-home method.
At Apple Springs Family Dentistry, we recommend you see your Leander dentist every 6-12 months, depending on the condition of your teeth.
Regular dental visits can help you…
- Remove stubborn plaque and tartar.
- Reduce your chance of cavities and tooth decay.
- Keep your teeth in optimal oral health for years to come.
And so much more…
Are you due for a dental visit?
Don’t wait any longer to schedule your dental appointment with the best Leander family dentist in the area.
Apple Springs Family Dentistry is accepting new patients.
Click here or call 512-212-9711 to schedule your dental visit right now.
Apple Springs Family Dentistry is located at 3421 N Lakeline Blvd. Suite 320 is near the major intersection of Lakeline Boulevard and Crystal Falls Parkway in Leander, Texas.
Leander Dental Care Offered by Apple Springs Family Dentistry:
- Routine teeth cleaning.
- Caps, crowns, fillings, and more.
- Professional teeth whitening.
- Tooth decay treatments
- Emergency Dentistry
- Root canal therapy
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics
And much, much more…
