How to Brush Your Teeth Perfectly
Posted on: 22 January 2021
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As adults, we all know that we should brush our teeth every day, but how sure are you that you are using the right brushing technique? Are you passing good habits onto your kids? Here are a few tips for brushing your teeth the right way.
1. Brush at Least Twice a Day
Most family dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day to keep teeth free from plaque. Most people find first thing in the morning and before bed to be convenient brushing times. If you want to brush more often, that's great! However, you should try to avoid brushing right after eating or drinking something acidic, as the acid softens tooth enamel and creates a risk that the scratching of the toothbrush bristles could lead to damage.
2. Brush for at Least Two Minutes
Most people brush twice a day, but far fewer brush their teeth as thoroughly as they should. Dentists recommend two minutes of brushing to thoroughly clean all the plaque from your teeth. Try to split this time evenly between all parts of your mouth. Many electric toothbrushes have a timer that can help you out by vibrating when it is time to move on to the next quadrant.
3. Use the Right Toothbrush
Dentists agree that soft-bristled toothbrushes are best for teeth. However, the bristles should be relatively firm: worn-out toothbrush heads with splayed bristles do not clean as well as new ones. Replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head as soon as the bristles start to look worn to ensure you are getting a great clean every day.
4. Use Fluoride Toothpaste
When shopping for toothpaste, you should ensure you choose one that carries the logo of the Australian Dental Association. These dentist-approved toothpaste brands all contain fluoride, a natural mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel. Most stores carry a wide range of fluoride kinds of toothpaste, so you can choose one that offers other benefits, such as whitening or tartar control if you like. If you have particular dental needs, ask your family dentist for advice about the type of toothpaste you should use.
5. Practice the Correct Technique
The ideal tooth-brushing technique involves making a gentle circular motion with the bristles. If you have an electric toothbrush, the rotation of the head does this movement for you, so you just have to hold the toothbrush against your teeth. Don't press too hard or scrub the bristles up and down. Be sure to clean all surfaces of the teeth, including the backs and chewing surfaces.