You may have heard many different suggestions for the best ways to brush your teeth. From how long you should spend brushing to whether you should use a regular toothbrush versus an electric one, there are many opinions out there. Here we’ll look at some popular brushing techniques for better dental hygiene in San Marcos, and which ones will really help keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Brush at Least Twice a Day
Achieving a healthy smile and optimal wellbeing starts with good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day is an easy, yet powerful, way to protect your pearly whites! Taking the time to thoroughly clean every nook and cranny of your teeth- including the front, back, and chewing surfaces- helps remove built up plaque, bacteria and food particles that collect throughout the day. By maintaining this routine, you can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, tooth loss and more dental problems from occurring. Dedicating at least two minutes of your day for proper dental care will give you peace of mind knowing you’re on track to a healthier brighter smile and an elevated dental health!
Focus on All of Your Teeth
You’ve likely heard it before, and it’s true: you need to brush each of your teeth. This means not just the top of the crown, but the sides of each tooth as well. Brushing your front teeth is equally important when it comes to dental care and maintaining healthy teeth. Neglecting to do so can lead to a yellowish appearance and red gums. Always remember to pay attention to the area behind your front teeth as well, as this area builds up plaque and tartar easily – which can lead to dental problems such as gum disease, bad breath, tooth decay, or even a cavity.
Don’t Destroy Your Brush
Many people assume that when you brush your teeth, you have to brush hard in order to really clean them. However, brushing too hard or too roughly can end up doing more harm to your oral health than good. Being too rough can cause damage to your gums, and destroy your toothbrush. Brush firmly, but don’t risk damaging your chances at a healthy mouth. A soft or extra soft bristle brush is recommended.
Rinsing After Brushing
If you are prescribed a prescription strength mouthwash it is not recommended to rinse after brushing. This allows the extra fluoride time to sit on your teeth and restore lightly damaged areas. If you have a desire to use mouthwash, it needs to be alcohol free. This prevents your mouth from drying out and causing damage to your teeth. There are many varieties of mouthwash available that contain fluoride. This is a great preventative measure to take for decreasing the risk of bacteria growing in the mouth as well as cavities forming.
Moving Your Jaw as You Brush
Moving your face or jaw while you’re brushing your teeth can be helpful as it allows you to reach parts of your teeth that otherwise might be difficult to access. However, if done incorrectly it can turn into a hindrance. For instance, one common problem when moving your face as your brush is doing so constantly, which can lead to uneven brushing. However, if you practice focusing on brushing each area of your mouth carefully, moving your mouth can ensure that you brush every tooth properly.
Visit Your Dentist in San Marcos, TX
The best way to maintain healthy dental hygiene is to visit your dentist for regular dental checkups in addition to brushing often at home. Your local dentist can answer any questions about your oral hygiene, dental health, as well as catch cavities and other potential problems before they become serious issues. Not sure if your current brushing regimen is working? Just ask your dentist!
Why Carothers Family Dentistry?
Your local family dentistry office in San Marcos, TX can teach you the best brushing habits as well as provide professional teeth cleaning, teeth whitening, professional cleaning, dental services, general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and even pediatric dentistry in San Marcos that will keep you and your families smiles healthy. Contact Carothers Family Dental today for more information about how to schedule a checkup at our dental office in San Marcos, TX.