How to brush your teeth correctly – Personal Dental Care

Dental care through brushing can be traced back to the Babylonians and their ingenious use of a twig. We are lucky not to have to cut a twig, fray the end, and grind our teeth with such a tool.

Today we have a variety of toothbrushes available for our dental needs. Toothbrushes range from a straight toothbrush with very soft to extremely stiff bristles, to rotating electric toothbrushes and brushes that use sound waves to remove plaque from the gaps of the teeth.

Our options are plentiful, but the most important thing is that we brush!

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. A soft bristle will clean without damaging the gums. Also be careful. Many of us think in a superabundant way. If 2 minutes is good, then five or ten minutes would not be better.

Your teeth are with you for life. After the permanent teeth come in, there are no more natural replacements. Excessive brushing will wear away enamel over time and cause premature damage to teeth. It can also damage the gums. So stick with the two minute limit. That will allow plenty of time to clean the teeth and gums.

We talk about brushing our teeth. But in effect, you are wiping your mouth. Bacteria form everywhere in the mouth, not just on the teeth. So take the time to gently brush your gums, the inside of your cheeks, and yes, your tongue.

Many brands of toothpaste are available. Any brand that gives you fluoride protection is usually good. Take care to make sure you don’t have any abrasive cleaning material in the paste. This too, over time and you certainly want to be around for a long time, can cause excessive wear on your teeth.

You don’t need a lot of toothpaste on your brush. Don’t take a cue from the commercials where they squeeze toothpaste along the bristles. Yes, this will sell more toothpaste, but it won’t increase effectiveness. You only need a small amount, about the size of a pea, to clean your teeth.

To brush effectively:

1) Use a soft bristle brush.

2) Use fluoride toothpaste with no abrasive compound included.

3) Brush for two minutes.

4) Brush your gums, the inside of your cheeks, and your tongue.

5) And brush twice a day.

By consistently applying these simple rules, along with proper and conscientious flossing, you will enjoy excellent dental care. Look for proper flossing techniques in another article.