Brushing your teeth twice a day is the foundation of good oral health. But to protect the mouth from gum disease and cavities, you must make sure you’re brushing with the best tools and the right technique. Here, the dentists at Waterford Dental Health in Connecticut share the proper steps to effective teeth cleaning at home.  

How to Brush Your Teeth

1. Pick the Right Products

Purchase a toothpaste and toothbrush that carries the ADA® Seal of Acceptance—a symbol that the product supports safe and effective oral hygiene. From there, look for brushes that meet your individual needs. For example, if you have arthritis, electronic toothbrushes can provide a deep clean without requiring a strong grip. Also, try to avoid hard bristles, as they may damage enamel and cause increased sensitivity. Since brushes can degrade over time, the ADA recommends replacing your brush or bristle head every three to four months.

2. Wait an Hour After Eating

Food—particularly those that contain sugars and other carbohydrates—can contribute to cavity growth if left on the teeth for too long. However, the ADA says brushing right after eating or drinking can stimulate acids found in food and beverages. To avoid acidic damage, wait 60 minutes after a meal. You can, however, rinse the mouth with water and chew sugarless gum until you can brush.

3. Get Complete Coverage

For thorough teeth cleaning, ADA recommends holding the brush at a 45-degree angle, so the bristles can remove plaque and food particles from both the enamel surface and gums. In addition to scrubbing the front of your smile, you should also move the bristles along the chewing surface and backs of teeth.

4. Don’t Rush

It takes two minutes for a thorough teeth cleaning job. If you’re not sure how long you spend on oral hygiene, set a timer or use an electric device that offers an automatic shut-off mode when the time is up.

5. Follow-Up With Floss

Even if you brush properly, plaque and food particles can still hide out in between each tooth. Flossing at least once a day can help remove this material and keep the mouth clean.

Brushing and flossing regularly will help keep cavity-causing plaque at bay, but it’s still important to visit a dentist for professional teeth cleanings every six months. Using the advanced dentistry tools, Waterford Dental Health will optimize your oral health in a comfortable way. In addition to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, these dentists provide a variety of restorative and cosmetic services to improve your smile—including tooth fillings, dental implants, Invisalign®, and teeth whitening. Visit the clinic online to learn more about their treatment options. Call (860) 447-2235 to schedule a convenient appointment.