Are You Brushing Your Teeth Correctly?

Many people have heard how important routine brushing can be to your oral health, but what about how important it is to brush correctly? There are various components of an optimal brushing routine: the right brush, the right technique, etc., and today Pearly Whites of Pearland is going to give you the rundown on how to brush your teeth properly!

• Pick the right toothbrush. Many of our Pearland dental patients think the harder the brush, the better the scrub. But did you know the best brush to use is one with soft bristles? This allows the bristles to bend and reach areas a harder brush can’t.

• Brush lightly. Another common mistake for a lot of dental patients is brushing too hard. It may seem like this may get rid of all the pesky bacteria, but you could, in fact, be causing damage to your teeth. Plaque is soft and quite easy to remove as long as you keep up with regular dental care. So stop brushing your teeth like you are scrubbing tile grout in your bathroom and be a little easier on them!

• Take your time. Everyone gets in a rush sometimes, and this is often where they start to neglect their brushing routine. You should brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes, twice a day.

• Replace your toothbrush. When was the last time you got a new toothbrush? If it has been longer than three months, you should definitely be getting a new one. Worn bristles can’t clean as effectively as fresh new ones.

• Get your gums! Everyone has heard about brushing your tongue to remove extra bacteria, but what about your gumline? The space between your tooth and gums can be a perfect spot for bacteria to hide. Be sure to clean all the way down to your gums.

• Don’t brush too soon. It may seem like brushing your teeth immediately after eating is the right thing to do; however, brushing right after the acidity hits your teeth can actually help it wear away your enamel more!

By following these toothbrush tips, you can effectively clean your teeth of plaque and food particles, resulting in a healthier, cleaner set of pearly whites!