Brushing Rules You Need to Live By
If your Fort Pierce dentist told you to brush your teeth, you should have a follow-up question and ask how it should be done. While many people claim to brush their teeth as recommended by the American Dental Association, they still succumb to oral health problems that are often associated with poor oral hygiene.
What could have gone wrong? One probable reason is they are brushing their teeth incorrectly. There are certain guidelines when it comes to toothbrushing.
Toothbrushing Rules You Need to Know About
How Long Should You Be Brushing Your Teeth?
How many minutes do you brush your teeth? Do you time yourself? The acceptable time frame for brushing your teeth should be about two minutes. It may seem long for some, but it’s the effective duration to rid your mouth of plaque, bacteria, and lingering food particles.
If you can’t estimate the time, you can get a timer and time yourself whenever you brush your teeth. Make sure to divide the two minutes into the four quadrants of your mouth. Brushing too long in one area may lead to enamel erosion.
What Brushing Technique Should I Use?
There are different techniques to brushing, but the modified Bass technique is perfect for removing plaque from below the gum line. The method involves using a soft-bristled toothbrush and holding it parallel to your teeth. Angle your toothbrush at 45 degrees so that the bristles are a bit lower than your gum line.
Using gentle yet firm pressure, slowly brush your teeth using a circular motion or back and forth around 15 to 20 times in each area. Make sure you brush all surfaces, including the back teeth, following the same technique.
Do You Need to See a Fort Pierce Dentist?
Brushing and flossing aren’t enough to protect your mouth against cavities and tooth decay. You must also schedule regular visits to your dentist to have your teeth checked and cleaned. At Ricard Family Dentistry, our mission is to give you the best possible dental care. We take pride in our modern facility to provide you with quick and precise treatments. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call to learn more about what we have to offer.