You have been brushing your teeth for years. In fact, you may have been doing it for so long that it is practically second nature at this point. You plop some toothpaste on the brush, run it over your teeth, and you are out the door, or off to bed. In truth, brushing your teeth takes a little more effort than that. But don’t worry, the results are worth the effort, and it is not that complicated. And with a little practice, you should have your new routine down in no time at all.
Your toothbrush should be in good shape. The bristles should not be worn or flattened. If they are, or your toothbrush is three months old, you need to get a new one. You should use a fluoride toothpaste that has the Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association.
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth, and brush your gums. Then, brush the fronts, backs, and biting and chewing surfaces of your teeth. To reach the insides of your front teeth, hold your toothbrush vertically and use short, up-and-down strokes. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, since it contains bacteria that cause bad breath. You should brush twice a day at a minimum, and you should spend two minutes brushing your teeth. It may take a while to get used to doing that, so you might try timing yourself for a while. If you choose to brush after every meal you should wait for 30 minutes after you eat to give your saliva time to neutralize the acids from your food.
If you are interested in learning more about oral hygiene, you have a problem with your teeth, or if it is just time for your routine, cleaning and exam, our dentist, Dr. Milla Openko would love to meet you. If you live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area and would like to schedule an appointment at Milla Openko, DMD, call 412.885.5590 today.