Maintain your oral health by practicing good dental hygiene.
Good oral hygiene is key when it comes to staying on track with your dental health, but did you know that a lot of people don’t actually brush their teeth correctly? Read on to discover some of the most common mistakes, and how you can fix them.
- You don’t replace your toothbrush often enough
The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Often, bristles break and fray over time and if you don’t update your toothbrush you may find that you are not able to keep your teeth as clean as you would like. Try and remember to replace your toothbrush every season. That way, you can be sure that your toothbrush is working effectively. - You rush through your brushing routine
It can be tempting to race through your brushing routine, especially if you are running late for work in the morning, or are exhausted in the evening, but it’s very important that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes every time. If you find it very difficult to keep track of how long you brush for, try setting a timer on your phone, or listen to your favorite song while you clean your teeth. - You brush right after meals
Did you know that you can actually cause damage to your teeth by brushing immediately after eating? We recommend that you wait between 30 minutes and an hour after a meal before you brush your teeth. In the meantime, have a drink of water or rinse out your mouth to get rid of some of the acids and sugars. You can also chew on a sugar-free gum to promote the production of saliva and clean your mouth a bit before brushing your teeth. - Your technique is incorrect
It is actually fairly common for people to brush their teeth incorrectly — while many people brush from side to side in a horizontal line, it is in fact preferable to move your brush in small, circular motions. To give your teeth and gums a proper clean, position your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and move the brush gently back and forth. Don’t forget to brush all the surfaces of your teeth, including the outer, inner and chewing surfaces. To brush the inner surfaces of your front teeth, try angling your toothbrush vertically and brush in small up-and-down movements. - You brush too hard
It’s not necessary to scrub your teeth as hard as you can in order to keep them clean. Rather, brush your teeth gently to avoid damaging the enamel of your teeth, as well as your gums. Also, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles as these tend to clean the teeth better and won’t wear down the protective layer of your teeth. If you need help choosing a toothbrush, chat to our team who will be able to advise you.
At the Studio for Exceptional Dentistry, we offer preventative treatments to help you maintain optimal oral health. One of the best things you can do for your oral health is to practice good dental hygiene at home. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth to remove food debris and plaque. We also encourage you to come in for a dental check-up every six months so that we can check for any irregularities, cavities, and gum disease. We will also give your teeth a professional clean to remove plaque and tartar that may have built up over time.
To find out more about our preventative dentistry services, please take a look here.
To arrange a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
