We all lead busy lives – with parents trying to balance a work-life schedule and kids doing all of their school and after-school activities. Sometimes we can rush through things because we just don’t have time to do them properly. And while you might think it won’t do any harm to quickly whisk a toothbrush around your mouth and call that brushing your teeth, your oral health has a huge impact on your personal appearance, confidence, and overall health.
Brushing and flossing are critical to your oral health, but there are things you could be doing when you brush that might do more harm than good.
- Not brushing long enough – It’s not about how hard your brush but rather ensuring that you brush for long enough to loosen all the plaque and food particles. We recommend that you brush for at least 2 minutes. If you’re having trouble getting the kids to stick to that, you can use an egg timer or find a fun app that will let them know when they are done. Ideally, you are doing this twice a day (after every meal would be even better, but twice is a minimum).
- Choose the right toothbrush – Brushing with an extra soft bristle brush that is sized correctly for your mouth is essential. So, what’s the correct size? If you are having difficulty opening your mouth widen enough to reach your molars, the brush is too big. The choice between an electric toothbrush or a manual brush is more or less personal, though we feel a manual brush, used correctly is even more effective, as you can reach the hard to reach parts of your mouth more sensitively.
- Basic is best – The toothpaste aisle is FULL of options, but in reality, your best bet is to stick to a basic fluoride toothpaste. Pastes that promise whitening or high levels of tartar control can be abrasive to your enamel. Treat it well: you can’t replace enamel.
- Technique is everything – Vigorous side to side brushing isn’t the way to go. Put your brush at a 45 degree angle against your gums and brush downwards, in short strokes. And there is no need to push hard on the brush: a light touch is all it takes to get rid of plaque and keep your mouth clean.
- Keep it fresh – To keep germs from growing on your toothbrush, rinse it well after usage and keep it upright in a holder or cup so that it can dry properly and avoid bacterial build up. Change your brush at least every 3 months to ensure that the bristles remain soft and gentle on your gums.
Keep these tips in mind when you brush and make sure to visit your family dentist on a regular basis: you’ll be well on your way to having a bright and beautiful smile.
If you are looking for a Scarborough dentist or a Milton dentist, we’d love you to check us out! Contact our Scarborough dental office at (416) 291 – 0306 or our Milton dental clinic at (905) 636 – 9770 – we provide a full range of dental services for the whole family including regular checkups, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and much more!
