Is There A Right Way And A Wrong Way To Brush Your Teeth?

When it comes to something as simple as brushing teeth, it can seem like there’s no right or wrong way to do it. You put some toothpaste on your brush and give it a go. Right? Well, you may actually be a bit surprised to learn that there is a right way and a wrong way to brush your teeth. Luckily, by making a few minor adjustments in your tooth brushing habits, you can hopefully get a cleaner, cavity-free smile. Let’s take a closer look at how.

Don’t Brush Too Hard

It used to be that you could walk into any grocery store or drugstore and find medium and even hard-bristled toothbrushes. However, research shows that these types of toothbrushes cause more harm than good because they were eroding the enamel. Additionally, research also points to the fact that people who brush too hard can also have their gum line worn down, increasing their chances of gum disease.

Choose A Brush That’s A Good Size

Not all mouths are the same size. When you are choosing a toothbrush, make sure that it’s big enough to reach around your molars, but not so big that it’s uncomfortable when you brush. Because toothbrushes come in different shapes and sizes, it’s quite easy to find one that is a good fit for your mouth.

Set A Timer

You may think that you can run your toothbrush across your teeth for 30 seconds and call it good, but according to the American Dental Association, people should brush for a full two minutes at a time. Two minutes should be enough time to thoroughly clean your teeth, get rid of germs and bacteria, and clean your tongue. Try setting a timer for a few days to ensure that you are reaching that two-minute mark— you may be surprised to learn that you haven’t been brushing your teeth for as long as you thought.

Brushing your teeth is one of the easiest ways to fight cavities and other oral conditions. However, you might be surprised to find out that you may have been doing it wrong all along. By following these three simple tips, we hope that you’ll notice a cleaner, stronger, and healthier smile.

Ready to schedule your next dental cleaning at Gentle Dentistry? Contact our Tampa office today at (813) 734-7102.