November 1st is National Brush Day! What a great excuse to discuss toothbrushes and tooth care, in general, from when you should switch them out to how you can make your teeth healthier.
The Correct Way to Brush your Teeth
Brushing your teeth is an important part of dental hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, using soft bristles that reach the back of your mouth. Also, be sure to brush every surface of each tooth and make sure you’re not missing any spots when you’re cleaning! For added protection against cavities and other dental issues, use a fluoride-based toothpaste as well.
How Often to Change your Toothbrush
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Here are some things to look for when determining whether it is time to get a new one:
- Bristles are frayed, worn down, or bent.
- The handle is cracked or broken.
- You can see mold growing on the head of the brush.
If your toothbrush has any of these signs, you should consider replacing it immediately before bacteria begins to grow in your mouth and cause an infection! If you don’t want to adhere strictly to this schedule, remember that many health experts recommend changing them at least four times per year (more often if they have visible signs of wear).
Brushing Benefits
Did you know that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest things you can do to improve your oral health? Brushing your teeth will help prevent bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay. A simple five-minute morning routine can keep you feeling fresh all day long.
What kind of toothbrush should you get?
The first step to choosing the right toothbrush is determining whether you have sensitive teeth. If your gums are prone to bleeding after brushing, it’s probably best to choose a soft-bristled brush.
It’s also important to consider how wide your teeth are in relation to the size of your mouth. Ideally, you want a fully cleaned mouth and not just one side of your mouth. A narrow bristle head can make it difficult or impossible for you to reach all areas of your mouth at once (and therefore clean them thoroughly) which can result in less effective cleaning overall. You should look for brushes with wider heads if this is an issue for you!
Which Side to Brush First?
Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use a circular motion to brush all surfaces of your teeth, top and bottom. Brush the outer surfaces first, then the inner surfaces. Remember to brush for at least two minutes, but no longer than three minutes. Too much brushing can damage fragile gums.
What about Flossing?
You may have heard that flossing is important, but you may not know why it’s so important. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque causes cavities and gum disease, so regular flossing helps prevent these diseases from forming in the first place.
Dental Hygiene & A Healthy Life
Dental hygiene is very important for preventing tooth decay and gum disease. It’s also important for maintaining a healthy mouth, which can affect your overall health in the long run. Poor oral hygiene is a major cause of cavities, gum disease and other problems that can lead to tooth loss. Brushing and flossing are the two most effective ways to maintain good dental hygiene
About Dr. Fred Wong of Blue Ocean Dentistry in Glendora, California
Dr. Fred Wong and the staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use the latest available dental treatments, equipment, and materials – all of which make a marked difference in our patients’ experiences. We are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal dental health. We creatively combine dental science and artistry — which can literally redesign your smile. Since even a subtle change in your smile will help you to project self-confidence and high self-esteem, we love helping you feel good about yourself. We deliver the finest dental care at the most reasonable cost and accept most dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit. For more about the dental treatment plans we offer or to schedule an appointment, call today (626) 852-6999.