Teeth Brushing Tips for Oral Health

It is very important for us to brush our teeth on a regular basis, at least twice a day. First, visit your family dentistry to determine what type of toothbrush to use. Generally, you will want to use a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles so that you don't damage teeth and gums. However, every mouth is different, and depending on the positioning of your teeth determines the style of toothbrush that is recommended for you.

As far as brushing and technique goes, you will first want to squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush. The brand and type of toothpaste you use is up to you. Many brands offer tartar control, whitening, sensitive teeth, etc. Many dentists will recommend toothpaste containing fluoride to strengthen teeth. Begin by brushing along the gum line at about a 45 degree angle. Brush two to three teeth at a time in a circular motion until you cover your entire mouth. Any dentist will tell you that you should brush your teeth between two and four minutes. Then, be sure to brush your tongue from back to front in order to clean off odor- producing bacteria. As long as you maintain this routine at least twice a day, you will remove plaque from outer, inner and biting surfaces of your teeth. If you neglect your teeth for a sustained period of time, plaque and tartar build up can cause various oral diseases and tooth decay.

With regard to flossing, and the routine you should have, it is pretty straight forward. In addition to brushing twice a day, you should also be flossing twice a day. Insert dental floss in between teeth without forcing deep in to your gums. You still want to be sure that you clean down to the bottom, and move the floss in a forward and backward motion. This will ensure that you remove plaque and any other particle buildup between your teeth. As you move on between each tooth, use a clean portion of the string or ribbon. If you happen to only floss once a day, it should be at night time before you go to sleep. This is due to the fact that, while sleeping, you produce less saliva, which can actually allow for a greater chance of bacteria growth.

You should also be scheduling cleanings at your family dentistry. Your dentist should be cleaning your teeth and checking for any dental problems every six months. If you are prone to plaque build-up, your dentist may suggest that you have a cleaning every four months to ensure dental health. Also, if you have any other health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or are undergoing chemotherapy, pregnancy etc., you should also ask your dentist about how frequently you should be having an exam to ensure healthy teeth and gums.