Don’t Put your Brushing on Autopilot
Brushing your teeth properly is an important—and often overlooked—part of your oral hygiene routine. Whether you are hoping to keep all of your natural teeth for the rest of your life, or if you have invested a substantial amount of money to have your smile made over by a cosmetic dentist in Southern Pines, you want to make sure that you are brushing consciously and thoroughly.
Don’t put your brushing on autopilot.
You are moving in the right direction if you are brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing once daily, but you’ve got to do more than just go through the motions. If you’re not sure about how well you’ve been cleaning your teeth, consider adopting these tips for brushing like a professional:
1. Angle the toothbrush. The toothbrush should be angled about 45 degrees as you brush the inside and outside surfaces of the teeth. That’s the best way to ensure that the bristles are reaching the gumline and removing plaque that accumulates in the crevices.
2. Use the “toe” of the brush. The top bristles of the brush are perfect for cleaning the inner surfaces of the front teeth. This is where tartar tends to accumulate the most, and it takes a different brushing technique to access that area properly. Tilt the toothbrush vertically and brush up and down along the backsides of the front teeth.
3. Brush your tongue! Get in there and “sweep” the food particles and biofilm off of your tongue by brushing thoroughly from back to front. If possible, consider purchasing a tongue scraper to get the job done right.
4. Time yourself. The 2 to 3 minutes that are required to get your mouth clean can be a little longer than you think. Try focusing on each section for at least 30 seconds and use a timer or stopwatch if necessary. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that extra hard brushing can make up for not brushing long enough. Hard brushing traumatizes your gums and tissues. Instead, invest a few more minutes into your daily routine to improve your health.
Hopefully, these tips will keep you motivated and confident about your oral hygiene routine. For more advice, contact a dentist in the Southern Pines area today.