If you brush your teeth twice a day, you’re already doing better than one in five Americans who admit to brushing less than the recommended amount! But optimal brushing is about more than just sticking a toothbrush in your mouth twice a day.
Recommended Brushing Habits
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice each day in two-minute sessions, using fluoride toothpaste. Manual or electric toothbrushes can be used effectively.
To avoid damaging your gums, brush with gentle motions using a brush with soft bristles. The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or more often if the bristles are visibly matted or frayed.
The Right Brushing Technique
Committing to spending two minutes brushing your teeth twice per day is just the start. You should also use correct tooth-brushing technique to optimally clean all of your tooth surfaces.
Start with your outer and inner tooth surfaces, brushing at a 45-degree angle with short strokes against the gum line. Make sure that you’re also reaching your back teeth!
Next, brush the chewing surfaces by holding your tooth brush flat and brushing back and forth.
Ready to brush the inside surfaces of your front teeth? Tilt your toothbrush vertically and brush with gentle up-and-down strokes with the tip of the brush to brush in those otherwise hard-to-reach corners.
While you’re brushing, be sure to brush gently along your gum line.
Finally, when you’re done brushing all of your tooth surfaces, brush your tongue! This often forgotten step will remove remaining food particles and help reduce odor-causing bacteria for fresher breath.
Don’t Forget…
You’re not off the hook if you’re just brushing the right way for the right amount of time. You should also get into the habit of flossing your teeth at least once per day, and visiting your dentist twice per year!
The Cottonwood Dental Group team is here for all of your oral health needs. Visit our website to learn more about our services and new patient offers, or call (866) 803-6736 to make your next dental appointment today!
