Brushing your teeth is an important part of maintaining your oral health, and the best results can be achieved by brushing your teeth correctly. However, not everyone is aware of the correct brushing techniques, which leads to plaque accumulation and a higher risk of tooth decay and infection. This leads to the question, are you brushing your teeth correctly?
In this blog, we aim to answer this question for you. Make sure to read to the end and analyze whether you have been brushing your teeth correctly or incorrectly.
Choosing the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
A proper toothbrush is required for optimal cleaning of your teeth. A toothbrush much smaller than your mouth cannot clean your teeth well, or a toothbrush bigger than your mouth can be uncomfortable and can be the reason for mouth ulcers. Also, a brush with hard bristles can cause damage to the enamel and soft tissues. Thus, the best choice is a toothbrush with the appropriate size and soft bristles.
Choosing the right toothpaste is another important factor in maintaining oral hygiene. Select a fluoride-based toothpaste that helps strengthen the enamel while preventing cavities.
Electric toothbrushes are another trending oral hygiene device that has entered the market. However, high-frequency vibrations can damage the oral tissues, which is usually not suggested for oral care.
Preparing to Brush
Preparation before brushing is an important factor that is often overlooked by many. The amount of toothpaste you use and the time and frequency of brushing are important factors determining your oral health. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste while brushing, which is sufficient to clean your teeth without damaging the gums or enamel.
Also, wet your toothbrush for a finer brushing experience and reduced sensitivity. Brushing your teeth for at least 2 minutes is also recommended to clean the germs and other buildups. Also, remember to brush once in the morning and once before bed for cleaner and brighter teeth.
Brushing Technique
While brushing, follow the proper brushing technique by holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums so you can remove plaque from the teeth and the gum line. Brush both vertically and horizontally to reach all surfaces of teeth and clean them, using gentle and circular motions. Try brushing in all areas, including the back side of the teeth and molars, to clean them as well.
Avoid harsh motions while brushing, as it may lead to gum bleeding or injury.
Don’t Forget Your Tongue and Gums
Brushing your teeth is insufficient for optimal dental health if you exclude the tongue and gums. Bacteria and plaque accumulate on the tongue and in the gum line, which may lead to bad breath and infections. Thus, you must clean them to avoid the chances of such infections and get a cleaner mouth and fresher breath. Cleaning your tongue daily helps remove the plaque buildup that has been blocking the taste of the food you consume. When you clean your tongue, you can enjoy your food better.
Cleaning your gums is also important. The cleaning procedure creates massaging pressure on the gums to improve blood flow and maintain ideal gum health.
Common Brushing Mistakes to Avoid
Minor mistakes while brushing teeth can sometimes lead to major problems. Brushing too hard may cause enamel erosion and gum recession, which can cause permanent tooth issues. Brushing too harshly can also cause gum bleeding and inflammation, making eating or drinking anything difficult.
Another common thing often noticed is that the same toothbrush is used for much longer. The optimal timeline for using a toothbrush is three months, after which it needs to be replaced with a new toothbrush.
You should brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes and do not rush the procedure to complete it in a short amount of time.
Post-Brushing Care
Post-brushing care is an important part of maintaining your oral health. Rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash or normal water after brushing. Practice flossing after brushing to remove any remaining buildup between the teeth. Store your toothbrush properly after brushing and let it air dry, as storing it in a closed space can cause bacterial growth, which causes oral infections.
Also, keep your toothbrush in a sanitized space, away from the dustbin area, kitchen, or toilet, as flies carrying germs may infect it.
Conclusion
The way you brush your teeth, the toothpaste you use, your toothbrush, and the amount of toothpaste you use deeply impact your oral health. Thus, focusing on these elements while brushing your teeth is necessary.
Cleaning all corners of your mouth will also ensure good oral health and fresher breath. Regular dental visits are also necessary to prevent oral health complications. Book an appointment now to get oral health tips from the best dentist in Nerul.