Taking good care of your teeth is a generally accepted good health practice. Most people know that to avoid cavities, prevent gum disease and keep breath fresh, they should brush two times per day. Yet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that in the United States, about 32 percent of adults ages 20-44 have untreated cavities.
Perhaps it’s time to get back to basics and revisit the Do’s and Don’ts of how to brush your teeth for best results. Here are our key tips for brushing your teeth:
Do’s
Use proper brushing technique. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should:
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
- Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
- Brush your teeth for two minutes, two times per day (morning and evening). Then floss.
- Look ADA’s Seal of Acceptance on the product packaging of your toothpaste to ensure it meets requirements for safety and effectiveness and that all advertising claims are backed by documented, scientifically-sound.
- Make sure to use an electric toothbrush to more effectively remove plaque from the surface of teeth than a manual toothbrush. Replace the brush head every three months.
Don’ts
- Focus only on your teeth. Make sure to brush your tongue to remove bacteria to help keep breath fresh.
- Brush immediately after eating. Foods that contain citric acid can weaken tooth enamel for a bit. Brushing too soon can damage the enamel.
- Ignore your diet. What you put in your mouth has a big impact on oral health. Limit sugary foods and drinks, sodas that contain phosphoric acid and sticky snacks.
- Our final, and most important, point of tips for brushing your teeth – Putting off going to the dentist! Regular visits to the dentists for preventative care reduces long-term issues. We know a great family dentist near Joliet!
Schedule Your Bi-Annual Exam Today
For teeth cleaning near Shorewood, contact Shorewood Family Dental Care at 815-725-5991 or book an appointment online.
