5 Key Things To Pay Attention to for Excellent Tooth Brushing Results
When it comes to tooth brushing, technique matters.
Are you tired of getting cavities despite brushing your teeth twice a day? You may be making common mistakes when it comes to tooth brushing. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll highlight 5 key things you should pay attention to as you brush. From technique to toothpaste choice, we’ll let you in on all you need to know to keep your pearly whites shining bright. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn how to brush your teeth like a pro!
1. It’s all in the technique.
Are you brushing your teeth the right way? Your technique makes a big difference in how effective your tooth brushing is. Here are some simple steps to follow to ensure you’re brushing your teeth like a pro:
- Use gentle circular motions to brush all surfaces of the teeth: front, back, and chewing surfaces.
- Make sure to brush your tongue to remove bacteria that can cause bad breath.
- Spend at least two minutes brushing. Set a timer or play a song to help you keep track of time.
- Don’t brush too hard or use a back-and-forth motion as this can damage your gums and enamel.
So grab your toothbrush and give it a try!
2. Make sure you’re covering the whole tooth.
Remember, when brushing your teeth, you’ve gotta get ’em all! And by all, we mean all surfaces of your teeth: the front, the back, and the chewing surfaces. So whether you’re a lefty or a righty, make sure you’re reaching all areas of your mouth to give your teeth the best brushing possible. After all, who wants to leave plaque or food particles behind? Not us!
3. Don’t cut your brushing time short.
Did you know that brushing your teeth for 30 seconds only can miss up to 30% of plaque? That’s why brushing for the full two minutes is so important. But how can you make sure you’re getting the timing just right?
One way is to divide your mouth into fourths and brush each quadrant for 30 seconds. Since there are three surfaces to each tooth (front, back, and chewing surface), it should take about 10 seconds to clean each surface in each quadrant. Easy, right?
There are plenty of options if you’re looking for a more fun way to keep track of time. Some toothbrushes have built-in automatic timers so that you don’t have to worry about watching the clock. You can also use a phone timer or a stopwatch.
The most enjoyable way to make sure you’re brushing for two full minutes is to choose a two-minute song with a new verse or line every 30 seconds. Some great options include “I Will Survive,” by Gloria Gaynor, “Africa,” by Toto, and “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” by Guns N’ Roses. And while these songs might be longer than two minutes, they’ll surely get you dancing while you create a positive association with brushing your teeth.
So put on your favorite tune and brush your way to a healthier smile! And by the way, avoid distracted brushing at all costs; stay away from scrolling your phone or trying to do something else simultaneously.
4. It’s all in the angle.
OK, so effective tooth brushing isn’t all about the angle, but it does matter. Your toothbrush should be at a 45-degree angle toward your gumline. This allows the bristles to get under your gumline and remove any plaque or bacteria hiding there.
And don’t forget, some aspects of brushing vary depending on whether you have a manual or electric toothbrush.
- For a manual toothbrush, you should brush in small circular motions (while holding your toothbrush at the 45-degree angle, as mentioned earlier). This helps to massage your gums and remove any buildup on your teeth.
- You don’t need to move the toothbrush back and forth if it’s an electric one. Hold it at the correct angle, slowly move over all the surfaces, and let the electric toothbrush do the work.
So next time you brush, take a second to check the angle of your toothbrush and make sure you’re getting it just right.
5. Next step: Teach it all to your kids.
Most kids gain the ability to brush their teeth between the ages of 6 and 8, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they know how to do it correctly. When they’re younger and you’re helping them, talk about the way you brush their teeth as you do it. “Now we brush the front. Now we brush the back …” and “Two minutes are up!” can be fun ways to make sure your child is brushing thoroughly.
If children are used to you brushing their teeth with the proper technique (because they’ve heard you explain it a thousand times), they’ll remember that and be more likely to follow the same process when they do it themselves. So make brushing fun for your kids and help them develop good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime!
Talk to your dentist near Bee Cave and Lakeway, Texas, for more tips on how to brush teeth correctly.
If you feel like you are missing some spots when you brush, be sure to ask your dentist about any problem areas. Your dentist near Bee Cave and Lakeway, Texas, will always be happy to share more tips on how to brush your teeth correctly. Your dental team can provide personalized advice based on your unique oral health needs.
And don’t forget that brushing is just one part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Flossing, eating a healthy diet, and scheduling regular dental checkups are all important for a healthy smile. So grab your toothbrush, put on your favorite two-minute song, and get ready to show off those pearly whites! And while you’re at it, be sure to request an appointment for your next dental cleaning. Good oral hygiene at home and trips to the dentist every six months are like two peas in a pod—designed to go together.