You probably don’t think much about your tooth brushing technique. After all, you’ve been doing it every day since you were a young kid. However, almost everyone can get better results from brushing teeth by making a few simple tweaks.
Remember, no matter how well you brush at home, you still need professional cleanings every six months or so to keep your teeth in top shape. We’ll also examine your teeth for signs of trouble, so we can address any problems when they are minor and easy to solve. To schedule your next exam and cleaning, call Fielder Park Dental at 817-275-4817 today.
In the meantime, check out our dentists’ tips for brushing teeth:
- Don’t Stop Too Soon – Most people don’t linger over brushing, and many folks rush through it. But you should brush for two full minutes, every time you brush. If your toothbrush has a timer feature, use it. Or set the timer on your phone for two minutes. To make your oral hygiene routine a bit more fun, create a playlist of two-minute songs.
- Get the Right Toothbrush – Many electric toothbrushes have advanced features. But you can get your teeth clean without a lot of bells and whistles. The most important feature is the bristles. Make sure you always choose a brush with soft bristles. Hard bristles can damage your tooth enamel. It’s also important that the brush head fits easily in your mouth.
- Always Be Gentle – Much like scouring a sink or tub, you may think that scrubbing hard is the best way to clean your teeth. Not true! In fact, brushing too hard can cause enamel to wear away over time. This causes your teeth to appear dingy and also makes you more prone to cavities and other problems.
- Brush All Surfaces – It can be easy to overlook the back of your teeth (facing your tongue). Make sure you brush there, along with the front of teeth and the chewing surfaces. While you’re at it, brush your tongue (or use a scraper).
- Properly Store Your Brush – Many people stow their brush in a drawer or similar spot. However, that’s not a great choice. A warm, dark environment encourages the growth of bacteria. Instead, keep your toothbrush somewhere where air can circulate around it. Why not get yourself a fun toothbrush holder? We like this one shaped like a tooth.
- Make Regular Brush Swaps – As bristles wear down, it affects your toothbrush’s ability to clean. You should replace your brush with a new one (or a new head if you use an electric brush) every three or four months. Replace it sooner, if your bristles look noticeably frayed. Frequent fraying may be a sign that you are brushing too hard and need to lighten up.
To schedule an appointment in Arlington, TX, call us today at 817-275-4817. Or schedule online. We’d love to help you get better results from brushing teeth!