Mouth open or mouth closed?
-Depends on how much you like cleaning your bathroom mirrors…
After lunch or after dinner?
-Both is better!
Flat or at an angle?
-Read on to find out!
We brush our teeth every day (hopefully!), but who knew it was this complicated. Just grab a brush a get to work, right?
Not so fast! There are actually some best practices to be mindful of when brushing those pearly whites.
The trick is cutting through the fat and finding out exactly what works. We live in a world of alternate facts, truthiness, and lists of “7 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Clean Without Picking Up a Toothbrush.” What’s even correct these days?!
Fear not, because we’ve got you covered with this handy FAQ (frequently asked questions) guide. We’ll keep it simple with some easy dos and don’ts of brushing. Let’s get to it!
Proper Brushing Habits
Don’t: Keep your brush flat
Do: Use a 45-degree angle, tipped toward your gums, when brushing
Don’t: Use looooooooong strokes. No need to cover your whole mouth in one stroke!
Do: Use short, circular strokes
**Tip: When using an electric toothbrush (preferred) use more of a slow, “painting” motion. Let the brush do the work!
Don’t: Brush with the force of a giant. This isn’t a strongman contest!
Do: Gently cover all areas. A gentle touch helps prevent wear and tear on your enamel and gums
Don’t: Go one and done
Do: Brush at least twice a day, especially after eating or drinking something acidic (like citrus or soda). Before bed is the most important!
Don’t: Be sentimental and use the same toothbrush for life
Do: Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. A trick to remember: switch out on the first day of each season. We’ll never turn you away if you want to stop in at our Okauchee office for a new toothbrush, on the house!
Don’t: Be average – the average person brushes their teeth for 45 seconds
Do: Brush for a full 2 minutes. A helpful trick: say the alphabet while brushing each quadrant (you have 4: UR, UL, LR, LL), move to the next section after you hit Z. We also have handy timers that we like to hand out!
Don’t: Keep your toothbrush in a closed container
Do: Allow your toothbrush to air dry
Don’t: Wield a tough-bristled brush
Do: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is much better for your tooth enamel and gums
And there you have it! Some easy practices to keep that perfect smile. Remember: Brushing properly takes only 4 minutes out of the day (6 if you’re a dental super star!), so why not make it the best 4 (or 6) minutes of the day!
At Lake Country Family Dental, Drs. Hohm and Holsen and our fantastic hygiene team are here to offer you expert dental advice! Of course brushing your teeth is only part of your complete dental care routine (don’t forget to floss ). Make an appointment today to talk to them about your dental routine and products that will be most beneficial for you!