Many of the problems we see at our International District Seattle dental clinic could have been avoided with proper brushing. Even something as small as how you hold your brush can have noticeable effects when you go to the dentist’s office. If you feel like you could stand a refresher course on toothbrushing, try following these simple steps:
- Floss before you brush. This clears out plaque and allows the fluoride of your toothpaste to better gain purchase between your teeth.
- Brush twice a day, once after you wake up and once before you go to sleep, after your last meal of the day. Your mouth is less able to clean itself while you sleep, so don’t eat or drink anything but water between your final brushing and your bedtime.
- Brush for two minutes at a time. Too little and you may not be cleaning enough, and too much might be too hard on your gums.
- Do not brush directly after eating. Acids in your food can weaken your tooth enamel, making them vulnerable to being stripped away by your brush for a short while.
- Brush the sides of your teeth in a circular motion, with the brush held at a forty-five degree angle. Gently massage your gums as you go.
- Plaque can gather on your tongue just as easily as any other surface in your mouth. Use a tongue scraper, or simply scrub your tongue with your brush.
- Follow up your brushing with a good antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash. There are many good products available to give your teeth the extra edge they need.