We often get questions from our patients regarding “proper” tooth brushing techniques. Despite being part of our daily ritual, we all have likely taken for granted some of the minute details of our tooth brushing process:
Mouth open or mouth closed?
After lunch or after dinner?
Flat or at an angle?
If these are the kinds of questions that cross your mind, let us help you get some answers. Brushing our teeth doesn’t have to be so complicated. Here are some do’s and don’ts in regards to proper tooth brushing:
Don’t: Keep your brush flat
Do Use a 45-degree angle when brushing
Don’t: Use looooooooong strokes. No need to cover your whole mouth in one stroke!
Do: Use short, side to side strokes
Don’t: Brush with the force of a giant. This isn’t a strongman contest!
Do: Gently cover all areas. A gentle touch helps prevent wear and tear on your enamel
Don’t: Go one and done
Do: Brush at least twice a day, especially after eating or drinking something acidic (like citrus or soda)
Don’t: Be sentimental and use the same toothbrush for life
Do: Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. A trick to remember: switch out on the first day of each season
Don’t: Be average – the average person brushes their teeth for 45 seconds
Do: Brush for a full 2 minutes. A helpful trick: say the alphabet while brushing a certain section, move to the next section after you hit Z.
Don’t: Keep your toothbrush in a closed container
Do: All your toothbrush to air dry
Don’t: Store your toothbrush on the sink counter where bathroom particles can get on it
Do: Store your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet
Don’t: Wield a tough-bristled brush
Do: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is much better for your tooth enamel
And there we have it! Some easy practices to keep that perfect smile.
Remember: Brushing is only 4 minutes out of the day, so why not make it the best 4 minutes of the day!
