Brushing Teeth: Technique to Help Prevent Cavities

Brushing your teeth is something we do at least twice daily (or at least, we try to!). It has become so routine that we barely even think twice about it.

But having something become routine doesn’t mean that we are doing it perfectly. There are always ways to improve brushing your teeth.

There is a right way to brush your teeth, and most of us are familiar with the basic rules, but how many of us actually follow them? We hope this guide serves as both a refresher and a reminder about the correct way to brush teeth.

The steps below will help you perfect your daily brushing technique and help you ward off harmful cavity-causing plaque and prevent yellowing. Stick with it, and when you meet your dentist for your annual appointment, they’ll be shocked at how beautiful your smile has become!

Choosing the Right Supplies

First and foremost, it’s important to have the right tools for brushing. Try to aim for a trusted brand, even one given to you by your dentist, over cheap alternatives. The cheap bristles tend to break off between your teeth and wear easier.

Your toothbrush should also be replaced every 3 or 4 months, depending on how well you take care of your brush. If the bristles seem worn or frayed, even if it’s been less than 3 or 4 months, replace the brush immediately says top dentist  in Gosford.

The toothpaste you choose is just as important as the brush. If you purchase a cheap toothpaste, the effort of brushing will be less effective than if you make an informed choice on the purchased brand. Talk with your dentist, ask for their recommendations. Then, make sure to do your own research. It’s important to search for a brand that won’t be too harsh on your teeth, but that has the right cleaning and strengthening ingredients.

Now, let’s move on to the best dental hygiene technique!

Practice the Proper Technique

You’ve probably heard that you’re supposed to brush for at least 2 minutes, but remember that quality is better than quantity. Brushing your front teeth for 2 minutes isn’t going to cut it – you need to brush each individual tooth using the technique outlined in these 5 steps:

1. First, make sure to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. If you use too little, the toothpaste will not reach every tooth, but if you use too much, your mouth will be filled with excess and the potential for swallowing is worse.
2. Approach your mouth at a 45-degree angle aimed at the gum line. Keep your motions gentle and circular, so you don’t irritate or cut your gums.
3. Once the fronts of your teeth have been cleaned, make sure to continue the same strokes of circular movement along the back sides/insides of your teeth.
4. On the chewing surfaces, use a light back and forth motion to remove plaque.
5. Finally, spit out the toothpaste. There is no need to rinse since the remaining toothpaste helps fight decay.

Need to See a Dentist?

If you need to schedule an appointment to get your teeth cleaned, or if you have other dental issues you need professional help to resolve, call emergency dentist central coast today!