You have been brushing for a long time, and after a while, it has probably become second nature. While you may be brushing on a daily basis, believe it or not, you may not be doing it correctly! Read on to see if your oral hygiene regimen could use some improvement.
First, if your toothbrush is three months old, or if the bristles are worn, it is time for a new one. Your new toothbrush should have soft bristles and a head that is small enough to reach every part of your mouth.
Second, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. You may want to brush after eating. If you do, wait for about thirty minutes after your meal to brush. Your saliva needs time to wash the acids left over by your food from your teeth.
Third, are you taking enough time brushing your teeth? You should spend two minutes on the job. You may need to time yourself for a while until you are brushing for the full two minutes.
Fourth, are you reaching every part of your mouth? You should brush the fronts, backs and the biting and chewing surfaces of your teeth. To clean the insides of your front teeth, hold your toothbrush vertically and use short up-and-down strokes. You should also clean your tongue since it contains bacteria that can cause bad breath. This can be done with your toothbrush. Start at the back of your tongue and work your way to the front.
Remember that no matter how well you brush, you still need to see your dentist twice a year for your routine cleanings and exams. If you would like to make an appointment to see our dentist, Dr. Deborah Backiel at Dr. Backiel and Associates in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, call 267-514-8100 today.