After the Dentist: Tips for Brushing Your Teeth at Home
You visit the dentist regularly. That's one step towards having a healthy mouth. But, that's not the only way to keep your smile bright. At-home care is a crucial part of your dental routine. Obviously, brushing is a major way to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. That said, are you brushing the right way? While dental services (such as in-office cleaning and polishing) are absolutely necessary, without proper brushing, maintaining your oral health just isn't possible. Even though brushing seems simple and self-explanatory, without the proper technique, it won't be quite as effective. Check out these top tips for brushing your teeth.
Choose Wisely
Using the wrong brush is a common mistake. If the brush isn't the right size and shape for your mouth, you probably aren't hitting all of the spots that you need to. Proper brushing requires a 45-degree angle placement (along the gum lines). A brush with an over-sized head (in relation to your mouth) may poke into your cheek and not let you get this angle. Too small of a toothbrush head isn't helpful either. Yes, you can get that perfect angle. But, you might miss areas. Try a few differently sized brushes and different shapes. This will help you to find a brush that fits your mouth comfortably.
Brush Both Sides
Does the dentist only look at the front of your teeth? No. During your visit the hygienist cleans the fronts, backs and tops of your teeth, and the dentist examines your entire mouth. This type of complete dental care shouldn't stop when you leave the office. Brush the fronts, backs and other exposed surfaces of your teeth for at least two minutes. Along with this, you should also brush your tongue and use floss to remove any built-up food or particles from in between your teeth.
Toothpaste Options
There are an almost dizzying array of toothpaste options out there. From all-natural organic options to the standard types, it's not always easy to figure out which one is the best for you. If your dentist recommends a specific type of toothpaste, go with what the pro says. If not, look for one that contains fluoride. Tarter control pastes offer extra protection against buildup, but they aren't a substitute for regular dental services. Sensitive toothpastes are great for people who experience discomfort when eating certain foods (such as hot or cold). That said, your dentist should check your teeth first to make sure that there is no underlying issue. A whitening toothpaste can help to brighten your smile. While you would get the same effect that you would through a dental office procedure, it can fight some staining.
Proper brushing is a major part if your dental care. Along with regular dental visits, your at-home brushing routine can keep your teeth white, bright and healthy. Be sure to schedule an appointment every six months with a capable dental office, such as Thornley Dental.
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