Brushing teeth regularly is necessary for removing plaque and food particles from the surface of each tooth. A dentist will typically recommend brushing at least twice daily, before bedtime and after rising in the morning. In order to achieve the best results when brushing your teeth, it is important to brush correctly. Below are a few tips from the Goodman Dental Center that adults and kids should follow when brushing. If you are a parent with kids who are not old enough to brush properly on their own, brush their teeth for them until they are capable of brushing correctly. Check out one of our other articles for Bedtime Brushing Tips for Dads.
Brush in a circular motion
Most people have a natural urge to brush using a back and forth motion. This is not recommended because this motion does not effectively clean the base of your gums, which is where plaque and bacteria accumulate. When you brush in a circular motion, you remove the majority of bacteria and debris at the base of the gums and on each tooth’s surface. Brushing using a circular motion is also easier on your gums.
Brush for at least two minutes
It takes at least two full minutes of brushing to remove plaque and build up from each tooth. If you take the time to brush each tooth properly, two minutes is the minimum amount of time that it will take to do an effective job. Even small children should brush their teeth for at least two minutes. This is especially important for children who eat a lot of junk food, candy and sugar-based snacks.
Start with your back teeth
Most people tend to pay extra attention to their front teeth when brushing, which is why most cases of extreme plaque, tartar buildup and cavities tend to affect the teeth in the back of the mouth more often than it affects those in the front. Always brush your back teeth first, and make sure that you clean them thoroughly before moving to the front of your mouth.
Brush each side of each tooth and your tongue
Brush the front and back of each tooth and each chewing surface thoroughly. Every area of your tooth that is exposed should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent plaque and tartar from building. Brushing your tongue is important as well. Bacteria can grow on the tongue and cause foul breath and oral disease. Clean the front and back of your tongue thoroughly each time you brush.
These important tips are recommended by most dentists. Your dentist always recommends flossing after brushing teeth to remove food particles that are impossible for you to remove with a toothbrush. Following these tips will increase your chances of maintaining good oral health.
