Brushing Dos And Don’ts: Are You Getting It Right?

Brushing Dos And Don’ts: Are You Getting It Right?

We all know it’s important to look after our teeth so that we can enjoy healthy, attractive smiles for years to come. But have you thought about your dental health impacts the rest of your body? Studies show that caring for your teeth and gums has incredible benefits for general health. Research suggests that poor oral health increases your risk of a host of health problems, from heart disease and dementia to strokes and diabetes. It’s never been more important to pay attention to your pearly whites, so are you getting it right? Here are some simple tips to ensure that you’re doing everything you can to keep your dental health on track.

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Have you got your brushing technique down?

Brushing your teeth is essential because it eliminates harmful bacteria and food debris from the mouth. If you don’t brush, there’s a good chance that plaque will form. Plaque is a sticky, colorless substance, which you may be able to feel on your teeth when you first wake up. It clings to the surfaces of the teeth and the gums, and it’s made from bacteria, food particles, and saliva. Plaque is the main cause of dental decay and gum disease.

Brushing dos

Do brush for 2 minutes

It’s not enough to whizz a brush around your mouth and hope for the best. You need to pay due care and attention when you brush. Set a timer to make sure that you brush for at least two minutes. It may not sound like a long time, but you may be shocked if you timed how long you brush for at the moment. Take care to clean every tooth, and angle the head of the brush so that you can clean along the gum line.

Do swap your toothbrush every 3-4 months

Be honest. When was the last time you swapped your toothbrush head or bought a new toothbrush? It’s essential to replace brushes every 3-4 months, as work bristles don’t work properly. Some brushes are fitted with colored bristles, which show you when you need to buy a new brush. If you’re not sure which brush to buy, your family dentist will be able to give you tips and recommendations.

Brushing don’ts

Brush too hard

You may think that the harder you brush, the better the results, but sadly, you’d be wrong. Brushing vigorously can actually do more harm than good, as it can wear away the enamel. When you’re brushing, use small, circular motions, and be gentle. Once your enamel is worn, it’s not possible to repair it.

Rinse after brushing

Many people assume that they need to rinse their mouth out after brushing. However, it’s actually better to avoid doing this. If you use fluoride toothpaste, rinsing the mouth removes the fluoride, and prevents it from benefiting your teeth. Fluoride is a mineral, which helps to strengthen the enamel and reduce the risk of decay.

Most of us have been brushing our teeth twice a day for as long as we can remember, but have you been getting it right? Hopefully, these simple dos and don’ts will enable you to hone your brushing skills and reduce your risk of developing troublesome dental diseases.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.