It’s been awhile since you learned how to brush — a couple decades, at least. Today, we’re sending you back to school for little a brush up on that toothbrush, and how to clean your teeth correctly. The wrong moves allow bacteria to build up in those little nooks and crannies in your mouth, and tartar and decay are soon to follow. You don’t want that, and we don’t want that for you — so whip out your notebook and listen up for tips from your dentist in Cumming, GA. It’s time for Tooth Brushing 101!
Top Tips for Tooth Brushing
When you’re trying to remember how to properly brush your teeth, it helps to think of one thing: TARTAR. Check out this list to see what we mean.
Time it
Most people aren’t putting in enough time when they’re brushing. No, it’s not the most exciting part of your day, but those two minutes in the morning and at night are crucial for the thorough removal of bacteria. If you need a little help reaching the two minute mark, try setting the timer on your phone until you’ve got a feel for how long it is.
Angle
Good brushing requires you to get the right angle with your toothbrush. Too many adults brush in hard, side-to-side strokes — but that causes gum bleeding and recession. The right motion for brushing is in soft circles, or gently swooping the brush down from the gum at a 45 degree angle.
Rinse
When it comes to mouthrinse, we get the question a lot — should I use it? The answer is, if you’d like an extra-clean feeling, or if you have problems with excessive plaque or bad breath, mouthwash is a fine idea. If you decide to add it to your oral hygiene routine, that’s great — but don’t think it’s a substitute for good brushing and flossing. It’s just not.
Toothbrush
If you’re using an old tool, it doesn’t matter how good your technique is — you just won’t get the same results. It’s the same with your toothbrush. Make sure you replace your toothbrush every two to three months, or as soon as its bristles begin to show wear. You should also get a new toothbrush after you’ve been sick, to avoid spreading germs.
Amount
It seems simple, but the biggest mistake many adults make when brushing is simply not doing it enough. Brushing for two minutes, twice a day is crucial for removing the bacteria that cause tartar, gum disease and decay.
Repeat
The last and final step in TARTAR is to repeat — develop these habits and repeat them again and again and you’ll be on your way to strong, healthy teeth you can count on for a life. And if you ever have questions regarding your brushing technique (or when it’s time for that twice annual checkup!) don’t hesitate to contact the dentists you trust in Cumming, GA.