Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice daily, but even those who follow this advice can develop bad habits. When done properly, brushing will remove plaque and bacteria, preserving your teeth and gums. Here’s some advice for performing this oral hygiene task correctly.

Do:

Brush for the right amount of time.

Most dentists recommend brushing for two minutes, or 30 seconds for each quadrant of your mouth. In one study, participants who brushed for just 45 seconds removed 26% less plaque than those who brushed for a full two minutes. Try using a stopwatch to time yourself, or choose a song that lasts for at least two minutes.

Replace your brush regularly.

Over time, a regularly used toothbrush will wear down and the bristles will fray, reducing their effectiveness at removing plaque from your teeth. For this reason, the American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 months. You may need to purchase a new one sooner if it’s visibly worn down or if you’ve recently been sick.

Don’t:

Brush aggressively.

It might seem logical that brushing vigorously or even roughly with a stiff-bristled brush would be more effective than brushing gently. However, this will actually damage your gums, forcing them to recede and expose the sensitive roots of your teeth. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush and brush gently in a circular motion.  If you have gingival recession, your dentist or dental hygienist can demonstrate the “wiping” technique to use in those areas; the goal is to not increase the gingival recession that is already present.  

Brush immediately after meals.

After you eat, bacteria in your mouth will use minute amounts of acid to break down food particles. This acid will also temporarily weaken the enamel on the surface of your teeth for about 30 minutes.

If you brush during this window, you could permanently damage the vulnerable enamel. Try drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva production after meals to wash away food particles and reduce bacterial activity, allowing your enamel to recover.

 

Schedule your next dental checkup or cleaning with the experienced professionals at Steckelberg Dental in Lincoln, NE. This family dental practice offers comprehensive restorative and cosmetic dentistry for patients of all ages in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. To make an appointment with a dentist, call (402) 489-7800, or visit them online to learn more about their services.