Terri Ramsey Beavers Oral health is important. In fact, recent research indicates that oral health and overall health are linked. That means it is more important than ever to clean your teeth properly. Although you have probably been taught to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and o floss once, the truth is that there are several ways to brush your teeth, you want to do it the right way.
Why Is There A Right Way?
Your teeth are essential to your well-being. If you lose all your teeth you can survive, but you will be unable to chew food. That means a liquid or soft food diet. In addition, a lack of teeth will affect your speech patterns and it will reduce your confidence. Even if you are missing one tooth you will be conscious of it and be warier about social situations which result in reduced confidence.
That’s why it’s essential to brush your teeth properly twice a day, floss, and visit a reputable dentist, such as this dentist Five Dock, regularly.
Brush Condition
On average a manual toothbrush should be replaced every 3-4 months. By this time the bristles are starting to flatten and it will be less effective. If the bristles flatten before this you’ll want to change your toothbrush sooner. But, this may be an indication that you’re brushing too hard.
Brushing too hard is likely to cause damage to your gums and increases the risk of infections, including gum disease. The best way to avoid brushing too hard is to hold your brush with just one finger and your thumb.
Circular Motions
Your toothbrush should be at a 45° angle to your gums. Use short circular motions as you move the brush back and forth, trying to maintain the angle. If it’s difficult to brush at a 45° angle then switch to a straight angle but make sure you don’t brush too hard.
Do your Tongue
It’s important to brush your tongue as well as your teeth. You can do this lightly with your toothbrush or you can use a tongue scraper.
Floss
Your toothbrush removes the thin film of plaque that builds up on your teeth during the day. However, it can’t get all the debris between your teeth. That’s why you should use some floss and slide it between your teeth. It can help to follow this with mouthwash to ensure your teeth are as clean as possible.
Twice a day is enough because it takes time for the thin layer of plaque to do any damage to your teeth. While you can brush in the middle of the day this isn’t essential for oral health.
Bleeding
You shouldn’t experience any bleeding when you brush your teeth. If you see blood when you spit the toothpaste out then you may have gum disease. It’s advisable to have a check-up with your dentist sooner rather than later. Left untreated it can cause a serious issue but caught early the dentist should be able to stop the gum disease and even encourage your gums to regrow.