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, and which ones will really help keep your teeth clean and healthy.
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.
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. 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 easily.
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 than good. Being too rough can cause damage to your gums, and destroy your toothbrush. Brush firmly, but don’t risk damaging your 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 cavities forming.
Visit Your Dentist In San Marcos Tx
The best way to maintain healthy dental hygiene is to visit your dentist regularly in addition to brushing often at home. Your local dentist can answer any questions about your oral hygiene, 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!
Your local family dentistry office in San Marcos TX can teach you the best brushing habits as well as provide professional teeth cleaning in San Marcos that will keep your smile healthy. Contact Carothers Family Dental today for more information.