Brushing your teeth is one of the most important aspects of proper dental care. Done properly, it will leave your teeth clean and your breath fresh. Done improperly, and your teeth will have a greater chance of encountering oral health issues such as cavities and tooth decay.

Follow these tips so you can be confident you’re doing the best for your smile the next time you pick up the toothbrush:  

• Timing: Dentists recommend adults brush their teeth for no shorter than two minutes. That may seem excessive, but it’s important to give yourself enough time to be thorough.
• Method: Within those two minutes, start by brushing the front of your teeth. Next, brush the inward surfaces, then clean the part of teeth used for chewing. Don’t forget to thoroughly brush around your top and bottom molars, as these areas are often overlooked.
• Frequency: You should brush your teeth at least two times a day — once after waking up and once before going to bed. This will prevent plaque from building up and eventually turning into cavity-causing tarter.
• Tongue: Don’t neglect the tongue during your oral hygiene routine. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth to remove bacteria and keep breath smelling fresh.  

For more advice on proper dental care, turn to James Julien, DDS. Serving the Kenai, AK, community, Dr. Julien and his team of dentists offer a variety of dental care options such as braces, dental implants, teeth whitening and more. Call his office at (907) 283-4857 to make an appointment today or visit his website to see a full list of services.