Everybody knows that you should regularly brush your teeth and gums. If you brush your teeth several times a day, that’s a great start. But did you know that there is a right and wrong way to brush? In fact, there may be a better way to brush than what you’re already doing. It’s all in the technique.

Remember, brushing your teeth is an awesome weapon in the fight against cavities, but it’s not the only way to help keep your teeth as healthy as possible.

Doing It the Right Way

We are, of course, referring to brushing your teeth. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Get your toothbrush wet
• In the middle of your brush head, place a bit of toothpaste (about the size of a pea)
• For at least two minutes use circular, small, sweeping motions with the brush across your teeth (do not go back and forth)
• Finally, with water, rinse out your mouth

Wondering when to floss? What matters most is that you do, so whether you floss after or before you brush isn’t necessarily the point. There are benefits to both ways.

Let’s break down the method described above to see why it’s “the right way to brush”.

Why Brush for Two Minutes?

How long you brush your teeth is an important part of using the proper method. It may be difficult to get children to stand still for two minutes, in order for them to brush their teeth for a long enough period of time but try to encourage it.

To best disorganize the biofilm on your teeth, each quadrant should be brushed for approximately 30 seconds. For many, there is a 45 second timer built into their brain which constitutes the amount of time most people spend brushing their teeth. You must do your best to ignore this. Some people prefer to use electric toothbrushes. Many of them today come with a built-in timer. You can also purchase and use a brushing timer, so that you can go that extra mile toward proper dental care.

Why Not Brush Back and Forth?

Small circular motions are used to brush your teeth, rather than the back-and-forth method, for good reason. It is counterproductive to use the “sawing” motion that some people insist on using. Use a sweeping, circular motion instead because the back-and-forth method can gouge your tooth enamel. Those gouges end up becoming the ideal place for little particles of food to settle.

Easy Does It!

Don’t be so hard on yourself – or at least your teeth. When brushing your teeth, be gentle. Brushing too hard, rather than being a more effective way of brushing, can actually do damage. Your enamel and your gums are safer if you use a gentle brush pressure.

The Age-Old Question – How Often?

There is no one all-inclusive answer for the question of how often to brush your teeth. It can depend on any number of things including what you eat. Certainly, once a day is not enough. While twice a day is better, it’s preferable that you brush your teeth at the following times:

• Before you go to bed – every night
• When you wake up – every morning
• Within half an hour of eating foods that are processed, acidic, or sugary

Real Smile Dental can help you determine whether or not your toothbrushing method is effective. Contact us today if you would like to schedule a checkup and discuss proper dental care.