Brushing at least twice daily is a must for healthy teeth. But there are ways to make your brushing efforts even better to improve your oral hygiene. Step up your current brushing techniques with these useful tips.
Vary Brushing Motions to Save Your Gums
Back-and-forth scrubbing is one of the most common brushing techniques, but this approach is not suitable for your entire mouth. While hard tooth surfaces can withstand such treatment, gum tissue is delicate. Aggressive brushing can actually break down this tissue over time, causing more problems than they solve.
At the gumline, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Practice rolling the brush up or down, sweeping the bristles away from the gums. Then roll the brush toward the gums in the same manner. You can also maintain the 45-degree angle and simply wiggle or vibrate the brush to gently loosen plaque. Remember that a light touch is always better and is a more effective cleansing method, too.
Improve Brushing Techniques With a Better Brush
What you brush your teeth with is as important as how you brush. Be sure that your toothbrush has soft nylon bristles with rounded ends. These are gentler on gums.
Additionally, replace your toothbrush every three to four months. If your toothbrush still looks clean and the bristles are not splayed, it can be tempting to wait for the freebie from your next dental appointment. However, bacteria and viruses are invisible. Do your mouth a favor and change brushes often to reduce your exposure to germs that cause colds, flu, other viruses, and gum disease.
Always supplement good brushing techniques with regular visits to your dentist for a total oral care program. A dental plan from EDP reduces your out-of-pocket costs. Find a participating dentist today, get enrolled, and start saving up to 70 percent on both regular and specialized visits. Call (631) 272-5230 or register online today.
