Patients often ask what they could do to take better care of their teeth. Sometimes it seems like they want some magic answer, one secret tip to ensure they’ll never have cavities or tooth problems ever again. Well, my answer doesn’t have anything to do with drinking lemon juice standing on one foot while touching your nose. If there’s one bit of advice I could give you for taking care of your teeth, it’s simple: brush them well.
Too many adults aren’t brushing thoroughly enough — that’s something I see every day. Maybe it’s been a long time since you learned to brush, but its proper execution is crucial to your oral health. And because your oral health is inextricably tied to your general health — gum disease being linked to more serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke, for example — good brushing habits are perhaps even more important as we get older.
If you think you could stand to brush up on your brushing habits, take note of these tips and help your mouth maintain strong, healthy teeth.
- Make time for good dental hygiene. This is the step most people are missing in their brushing routine — doing it for long enough. Dentists recommend brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day. If you’re battling bad breath or have plaque problems, more brushing (like after each meal) is beneficial. Unfortunately, many adults are far from reaching the total four minute mark each day. Electric toothbrushes usually come with a two minute timer, but if you’re using a manual brush, help yourself by using the stopwatch on your phone.
- Brush up on the best techniques. To ensure you’re really getting them clean, brush teeth at a 45 degree angle. You should also move in circles, up and down, rather than fast back and forth motions, which can result in gum recession. Lastly, make sure you’re not brushing too hard — good brushing is calm and controlled.
- Don’t forget to clean your tongue. Your tongue turns red when you drink red wine, dark when you drink tea or coffee. That’s evidence that it absorbs the same odor- and decay-causing bacteria that hide between your teeth and gums, so it’s just as important to brush your tongue as the rest of your mouth.
- Use the best tools. Your technique is important, but without the right tools, you can’t really accomplish the best results. Choose a toothbrush with “soft” bristles, and make sure you’re replacing it every two to three months, or once it shows signs of wear. You should also make sure you choose a toothpaste that’s ADA approved — that means it’s been vetted by a team of scientists, and will definitely contain tooth-strengthening fluoride.
Don’t Forget: Your Dentist Cares
Follow these brushing tips to make your dentist happy during your next dental exam. And that reminds me — don’t forget your next dental exam! Good oral health requires daily brushing, flossing, and a trip to the dentist every six months. If you haven’t had a dental appointment this year, don’t wait to request one with Papageorgio Dental Associates in Natick today. Our team loves seeing your smile.