5 Tips To Make Brushing Effective

Brushing your teeth twice every day is vital for your oral health. If done the right way, brushing can get rid of plaque, prevent cavities, and keep your mouth healthy. It can also help improve your appearance. Here are some brushing tips that you can follow.

• Brush for at least two minutes

You may only spend a minute or two actually brushing your teeth, but that’s long enough for you to miss some spots or allow plaque to harden into tartar on your teeth. That’s why the American Dental Association recommends you brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes. Two minutes might seem like a long time at first, especially if you’re not used to thoroughly brushing your teeth, but it’s well worth the effort if it prevents you from developing cavities and gum disease.

You may want to set a timer on your phone, so you know when you’ve brushed for the recommended two minutes. If you’re using an electric toothbrush with a two-minute timer built in, then you won’t need to keep track of time yourself.

By spending that extra time with your toothbrush, you’re making sure that no area goes unbrushed (which could turn into a big problem down the line), and you’re removing as much plaque as possible from your teeth. That means you can spend less time in the dentist’s office in the future!

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush

Soft bristles are the key to having an effective brushing routine. When tooth enamel is worn away, gums become irritated. This leads to sensitive teeth and gum disease as plaque and tartar buildup around the teeth. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is one way to ensure that your teeth are being cleaned without damaging your gums.

• Use the right technique

In addition to choosing the correct brush, proper brushing technique is also necessary to avoid causing damage to teeth and gums. Brushing should be done gently in small circular motions to clean all surfaces of teeth and along the gumline. Be sure to hold your brush at a 45-degree angle when brushing the back molars, as this will allow you to clean these difficult-to-reach areas more effectively.

• Use a fluoride toothpaste

Overall, brushing should last for at least two minutes to effectively clean the oral cavity and remove as much plaque as possible. While brushing, be sure to use fluoride-containing toothpaste to prevent cavities. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel making it more difficult for plaque to stick to teeth. Additionally, patients can rinse their mouth with mouthwash or water after brushing to remove excess plaque and debris from their mouth before finishing their oral health care routine.

• Replace your brush every three months

Toothbrush bristles become frayed over time, leaving areas of the mouth with limited cleanliness coverage. Even if your toothbrush still looks new on the outside, it may be past its prime on the inside. A manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush head should be replaced every three to four months for maximum effectiveness. Swapping out your toothbrush regularly will not only help provide a more thorough cleaning but also help keep your gums healthier and free of infection.

Everyone can benefit from replacing their toothbrush on a regular basis, but it’s a particularly important change to make for people with gum recession. When gums recede, the margin between the teeth and gum tissue becomes uneven, exposing the root surface where harmful bacteria can hide and cause cavities. Receding gums can also cause tooth sensitivity, as the root surface is exposed and unprotected from sensitivity-causing acids. Regular replacement of your toothbrush can help protect sensitive teeth from receding gums.

Pro Tip: Besides brushing, remember to floss once a day

Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day is the foundation of healthy oral hygiene habits. But for optimal oral health, you should floss every day as well. Flossing removes bacteria from between teeth and below the gum line that your toothbrush can’t reach, reducing plaque buildup and the risk of cavities. If you don’t floss, you’re leaving your mouth vulnerable to gum disease and tooth decay.

To learn more about our dental services or to schedule your appointment with our Dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, call us at (719) 374-5496 or visit our dental office located at 1359 Interquest Pkwy Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.