Brushing is an important part of your oral hygiene routine. To maintain a healthy smile, the ADA recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day with a soft bristled brush, replace your tooth brush everything 3-4 months, and use an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste.
How to properly brush your teeth:
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
- Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
- Brush for two minutes twice a day.
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
Of course, brushing your teeth is only a part of a complete oral care routine. You should also make sure to:
- Clean between teeth daily with floss. Tooth decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
- Visit our office regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
Source: www.mouthhealthy.org
