A quality smile has an impact on nearly every aspect of your life. From business to romance, you can’t escape the importance of a great set of pearly whites. That’s why it is so crucial to keep your teeth healthy, and one of the most convenient ways to do that is brushing. Unfortunately, it turns out that most people don’t quite do it correctly. Luckily, we have five tips to help you start brushing your teeth like a pro!
Choosing The Right Toothbrush
No matter the job, the importance of picking the right tool can’t be overstated. Your toothbrush can mean the difference between nailing that interview and getting shown the door. While everyone is different, most dentists agree that a soft-bristled toothbrush is best for removing debris and plaque. Small-headed toothbrushes are also usually preferable, because they allow you to get into hard to reach areas of the mouth easier than bigger-headed brushes. In addition, electric toothbrushes can be more effective at cleaning your teeth than their manual counterparts depending on the individual.
Replacing Your Toothbrush
Unfortunately, toothbrushes don’t last forever, so it’s important to know when yours is no longer useful. Don’t worry, though, because there are a few simple rules to follow when looking to replace your toothbrush:
Whenever it starts showing a little too much wear (frayed bristles, excessive discoloration, etc.).
Every three months, or so.
After you’ve had a cold (the bristles can collect germs that can lead to reinfection).
Picking Out The Right Toothpaste
Unlike toothbrushes, the right toothpaste varies greatly from person to person. It all depends on what your individual needs is. Some toothpastes are designed to fight specific problems like gingivitis or cavities. Others are better for sensitive teeth. If you are not sure what you need, the best course of action is to get the opinion your dentist or dental hygienist.
How Long To Brush
This one’s pretty simple, but many people overlook it. Dentists agree that you should be brushing for about two minutes to get the best results. If you need help sticking to that, you can note the time before you start brushing, checking periodically, or get a stopwatch. No matter how you choose to stick to it, 120 seconds is the magic number!
The Right Brushing Technique
This is the big one. If you’re not brushing right, you could be missing important areas of your mouth, leading to anything from discoloration to cavities. Start with gentle, short strokes along the outside of your upper teeth, and then do the same to your lower teeth. After you get the fronts nice and clean, do the inner sides of your teeth in the same order. After that, make sure to get the chewing surfaces of both your upper and lower teeth. These are the surfaces that have the most contact with food, so they need special attention. During all of this make sure not to neglect your gums, they’re incredibly important to your dental health. Finally, brush your tongue to freshen up your breath.
There you go! Follow those tips, and you’ll be brushing like a pro in no time! For more on dental health, contact us.