Brushing your teeth regularly is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing gum disease, and when done correctly, can help ensure your long-term dental health. Dr Heilberg and his team focus on preventative hygiene and long-term oral health, ensuring every patient receives the best care with advice now and for the future. Let’s have a look at some simple tips to help you brush properly and thoroughly every time.
Choose the Right Toothbrush
Find a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth and is easy to hold. Here are some other tips to keep in mind when choosing a toothbrush.
- Pick one that has bristles that are softer rather than harder.
- In general it is better to use a toothbrush with a small head to enable you to get to tight corners at the back of the mouth.
- Make sure it’s easy to use, whether it’s an electric or a manual toothbrush.
Manual Vs Electric Toothbrush
Research shows little difference in the effectiveness of brushing with a manual or electric toothbrush, so it’s really a matter of personal choice. However, when using an electric toothbrush it easy to become complacent. For people who have diagnosed gum disease with deep pockets around the gums, a manual brush can be more effective. The method of using a manual brush needs to be made with guidance from your dental professional. Some electric toothbrushes have an automatic timer to ensure that you brush for the recommended minimum of two minutes, and this can be helpful for people who have trouble keeping track of how long they are brushing. They are also helpful for people with limited mobility in their wrist and hand. Manual toothbrushes are much more cost-effective, ranging $5-8 whereas a package of replaceable heads for an electric toothbrush can cost $10-45. It is also important to consider the cost when deciding which option is right for you.
Brush Your Teeth Effectively
The following tips can help you to get the most out of your daily brushing routine:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Some experts recommend brushing after every meal, if possible.
- Take your time, at least three minutes, to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth.
- When brushing along your gum line, angle your toothbrush slightly to keep your gums healthy.
- Avoid brushing too roughly. Use a gentle motion so you don’t damage your gums.
- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste to fight off tooth decay.
- Focus on cleaning every tooth surface with your toothbrush.
- Brush your tongue to scrape off bacteria that can cause bad breath.
If you need additional help figuring out how best to brush your teeth, consult your dental professional so they can show you the best technique.
Keep Your Toothbrush Clean
Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing and store it in an upright position, allowing it to air-dry until it’s used again. Also try to keep it separate from other toothbrushes in the same holder to prevent cross-contamination. Unless travelling, try not to cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers, this encourage the growth of bacteria.
Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
Buy a new toothbrush or toothbrush head if you use an electric brush every three to four months. Changing your toothbrush is important because germs can build up and lead to infection. It’s also important to change your toothbrush because they wear out over time and are become effective.
Interdental Cleaning
A toothbrush alone can’t do everything to maintain your oral health, as it can’t get between your teeth. Only dental floss and/or interdental brushes can do that, so remember to keep up your interdental cleaning along with your brushing every day. This helps to reduce plaque, and lower inflammation. Use a slow and gentle sawing motion, and don’t forget the back part of your last tooth. More than one interdental aid may be needed depending on the area of the mouth and advice is best obtained from your dental professional.
Brushing your teeth properly is the first step in maintaining excellent oral health, the next is regular check-ups with your bayside dentist so be sure to make an appointment for a dental check-up every six months. If you have any dental concerns or need more advice on brushing and interdental cleaning techniques contact the team at Dr Tony Heilberg Dentistry today on 03 9583 2233 .
