Brushing your teeth is something nearly all of us do every day. We've heard since childhood how important it is, and that sticking with it helps us avoid costly dental work later. Yet even though most people understand why brushing matters, many of us still don't brush quite the right way. Here are the fundamentals that help you get the most protection out of every brushing.
How Often Should You Brush?
Every time you eat, you expose your teeth to plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that works to erode tooth enamel and irritate the gums. In an ideal world, you'd brush after every meal. Since that isn't practical for most people, aim for at least twice a day: once in the morning, to clear away plaque that built up overnight, and once at night, after the day's meals and snacks.
Choosing Your Toothpaste
Despite what toothpaste commercials suggest, you only need a pea-sized amount. What matters more is the type. Use a fluoride toothpaste that carries the American Dental Association's seal of approval. Fluoride strengthens enamel and, in the earliest stages of decay, can even help reverse the process.
The Right Brushing Technique
Don't hold your toothbrush flat against your teeth. Instead, angle it at about 45 degrees toward the gumline, and brush both the teeth and the gums. Use a gentle, circular motion. It's this light mechanical action, not force, that lifts plaque away. Plaque is soft and easily removed, so there's no need to scrub hard. In fact, brushing too aggressively can make your gums bleed or recede, creating openings for more problems.
Be sure to brush the chewing surfaces as well as the fronts and backs of your teeth. Gently cleaning your tongue and the roof of your mouth helps too. With good technique, the whole process takes just two minutes.
Using a Powered Toothbrush
If you use an electric toothbrush, hold it at the same 45-degree angle and let the brush do the work as you guide it across every surface of your mouth. Two minutes is still all you need.
Build Healthy Habits With Granada Hills Dental Group
Good brushing is quick, gentle, and easy to do twice a day, and it pairs perfectly with regular professional cleanings. To schedule your next visit or to ask our team for personalized tips, call Granada Hills Dental Group at (818) 363-0200 or request an appointment online.
Regular dental checkups every six months are essential for maintaining optimal oral health, catching problems early, and preventing costly treatments down the road. At Granada Hills Dental Group, we make preventive care comfortable and comprehensive.