Brushing Tips
 To have a healthy smile, the most basic step includes daily brushing your teeth. Brushing your teeth may seem simple enough, but there are steps you can take to have a more effective brush. Working with our hygienist at Pine Belt Periodontics, PLLC, we are happy to evaluate your current brushing routine and demonstrate techniques to help your home routine be more effective.
Brushing your teeth daily is important to your oral health. Our mouths are exposed to so much bacteria from the foods we eat, and even the air we breathe. Brushing your teeth reduces the likelihood of decay occurring and gum disease developing. Following the steps below can make a significant impact on your oral health.
Some of the tips we discuss with our patients include:
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Brush Twice a Day, but Prioritize the Night Brushing: Brushing removes plaque and food debris from your teeth and along your gum line. Before you retire to bed each night is when you should focus on completing all of the steps; it’s the more important time to brush. At the end of the day, your mouth is full of decay causing bacteria. If it remains, the bacteria will feed on the sugars in your mouth, making decay and infection become a risk. Your night routine should include flossing and rinsing. Morning brushing is to freshen your breath and start your mouth off with a healthy brightness.
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A rotary brush can do wonders: Electric or rotary brushes have been found to reduce plaque and gingivitis by significant numbers. Additionally, studies show that oscillating brushes are better than vibrating brushes. Overall, patients who use electric toothbrushes have been shown to have healthier teeth and gums
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Drink Water Throughout Your Day: Drinking water is relevant to your brushing routine. Our mouths naturally create saliva to continuously rinse our mouths from harmful bacteria. Some people have higher levels of saliva and some have lower. Drinking water is a way to wash our mouths and remove food debris and plaque.
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Replace the Head or Toothbrush Often: Toothbrush heads wear out, and retain bacteria. It’s important to replace your toothbrush or brush heads frequently. Consult your toothbrush packaging, but on average, assume replacement every six months.
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Brush for 30 Seconds per Quadrant: The optimal time to brush your teeth during your nightly routine is two minutes. We ask patients to assume their mouth divided into four quadrants and brush each quadrant for 30 seconds.
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Angle the Brush Head: While brushing, angle the toothbrush head toward the gum line and brush the area between the tooth and gums. Gum disease is a common dental disorder that can be highly destructive. Angling the brush toward the gums can help remove plaque, debris and bacteria from the gumline.
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Floss and Rinse: Flossing removes bacteria and debris from between your teeth. Not all patients like flossing strings, but there are multiple options available. Review your options at your local store. In addition to string there are flossing sticks and water agitators. Following flossing, rinse your mouth with a mouth rinse. There are store bought rinses, or you can simply swish water. Choosing the rinse that works best for you is ok. |
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