Brushing Tips For Teeth

The benefits go beyond brushing get that piece of spinach in your teeth dislodged. Good oral hygiene can keep the tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It can even improve your overall health – and your baby if you are pregnant – reducing the risk of bacteria in the mouth from entering your bloodstream and cause problems in other parts of your body. Here are three essential steps to follow when you brush your teeth.

Guide to Brushing teeth: 3 essential steps

1. Do not delay daily brushing

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing at least twice a day – after breakfast and before bedtime. Brushing in the morning starts the day with fresh breath and remove bacteria that forms on your teeth at night, while brushing before bed removes food particles and bacteria that have developed over the teeth during the day drinks and meals. The ADA also recommends flossing daily to reach the tight spaces between teeth and under your gum where your toothbrush can not reach.

2. Use the toothbrush and toothpaste

Although the clean teeth are essential for dental health, it is not necessary to go overboard with the brushing. In fact, brushing too vigorously or choose a toothbrush with hard bristles can actually weaken the enamel and injure your gums, causing the recession and increases your risk of infection. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a manual or electric fluoride toothpaste for daily dental care. Also, replace your toothbrush every three to four months or whenever the bristles are worn.

3. Tune your brushing technique

It is easy to brush back and forth on the teeth you see when you smile, but each of your teeth – even those in the back – need dental care. Brush your teeth together, including the interior, the outside surfaces and chewing, with short strokes back and forth. Brush your tongue as it harbors bacteria that can damage teeth and gums.

Brushing is an important preventive measure for your dental health, but it can also help alert you to dental disease early. If you have pain, tenderness or bleeding during brushing, an appointment with your dentist to check things, even if you are not due for a visit. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent costly and invasive procedures.