Brushing your teeth may seem foolproof, but the truth is there are a few simple things that you can do to get the most out of your oral hygiene routine. Keep reading to learn more from our Saint Louis dental team…
Begin by choosing the right tool for the job
- Size: when we talk about brush size, we are mainly referring to the size of the brush head, which holds the bristles. Make sure that the head of your toothbrush is small enough to reach your back molars, and the surrounding gum tissue.
- Bristle Strength: you can choose from brushes with bristle strengths ranging from soft to extra-firm. The safest way to clean your smile is to clean your smile with the softest brush without sacrificing quality. Ask our dental team if you aren’t sure what strength is right for you.
- Age: as your toothbrush gets older, the bristles become less effective, and your brush can actually harbor harmful bacteria. Swap your toothbrush for a new one every three to four months.
Then perfect your technique:
- Buffing: rather than moving your toothbrush back and forth as you clean, try using small circular motions to dislodge more plaque.
- Gentle Pressure: it is very important that you use only gentle pressure on your teeth and gums. Brushing too aggressively leads to enamel thinning as well as gum tissue recession.
- Use a Timer: when you brush your teeth, morning and night, do so for two full minutes.
- Flossing: the ADA recommends that patients floss once a day; try adding this into your routine at night before brushing.
- Rinsing: if you are looking to add some extra cleaning power to your daily routine, you can talk to our Saint Louis dentist about whether a specially formulated mouth rinse is right for you.
When you optimize your oral hygiene routine you greatly reduce your risk of developing gum disease, bad breath, and dental cavities. If you have any further questions, please feel free to call our Saint Louis dentists. We look forward to speaking with you!