Every day, people around the world reach for their toothbrushes and clean their teeth as part of their daily dental care practices. But, as with any routine, tooth brushing can become mechanical after a while, and good habits can fall by the wayside in the process. To help maintain those good dental care habits, here are some guidelines to remember when brushing your teeth.

Do:

Brush gently.

There's a common misconception that the harder one brushes, the more they polish their teeth. In reality, brushing firmly can do more harm than good, contributing to wear and tear on tooth enamel and tearing and inflaming the gums. Brush in easy, short, gentle strokes, being sure to cover the entire surface of every tooth.

Break it up.

Tooth brushing can easily become a mindless task, but to implement best-care practices, aim to stay mindful of how you brush. One way to do that—and to maintain sufficient brushing-time—is to spend at least two minutes brushing. Break it up into 30 seconds for each quadrant of the mouth. Set the timer on your smartphone, and give each quadrant the attention it deserves for at least the full half-minute.

Don't:

Keep the same toothbrush.

When a toothbrush feels comfortable and a part of your daily dental care routine, it might be difficult to give it up. But, over time, bristles can weaken, break, or fray, making it much less effective at thoroughly cleaning your teeth. Aim to get a new toothbrush every three or four months. Set an alert on your calendar, or make it a habit to get a new brush on the first day of each season.

Store a toothbrush in a closed container.

A closed container can prevent air from circulating through the bristles. Not only will this keep moisture in, but it will also create conditions conducive to bacterial growth. Instead, let your toothbrush air-dry inside a medicine cabinet or cupboard; leaving it exposed around a sink can also invite bacteria.

Regular, biannual visits to a dentist should also be part of your dental care practices. Stacy Lesley, DDS, has been serving the Cabarrus County, NC, area for over 20 years. She is a trusted family dentist who treats patients of all ages with the latest dental technology in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. To schedule an exam, call (704) 766-1488 or visit her website.