Dentists and The Brushing Practices They Recommend

Dentists have been telling their patients that brushing is the number one key to oral health success since toothbrushes were invented. However, it may come as a surprise to you to find out that many people are not brushing correctly and thus are failing to get the full benefits from their dental regimen. Professionals in the dental community are conspiring to get the word out to their patients that brushing isn’t just about slathering on some paste and being done with it. If you want to make sure all of that plaque and bacteria is removed, you have to do things a certain way. Here are the practices that will keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Most dentists recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day at the minimum. For most people, this will be before they go to bed and first thing in the morning. The one before bed is the most important, dental experts have concluded. This is because during the day, your saliva acts as a repellent to the acids and bacteria that wind up on your teeth. At night, your body doesn’t produce saliva in that kind of volume, thus leaving your teeth open to rot. Brush before you hit the sack and you can make sure that bacteria is gone, as well as any food particles.

Most people, dentists say, use a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard for their teeth. They recommend using the soft bristled brushes to avoid the chance of wearing away at the enamel. Many people also use too much force when they brush, which can have the same effect, as well as an irritating effect on the gums. The key is not force, but longevity, and this is also where many people come up short. Your brushing session should last for two minutes and should consist of soft, even strokes in either a back and forth motion or a slight circular motion. The brush should be held at a slight angle to the teeth for best results.

Finally, don’t use your toothbrush to the point where it’s little more than a few bristles hanging from a plastic handle. Dentists say you should replace your toothbrush every six months, or every time you go in for an appointment. This ensures you’re always brushing your teeth with the most efficient and effective tools. And don’t forget to floss, which is the best way to avoid gum disease.