Cut Down on Cavities: The Steps for Proper Toothbrushing

Brushing your teeth is essential for good dental health. Cleaning your teeth ensures that all food and debris are removed so that plaque doesn’t form. When plaque builds up and isn’t brushed away it can turn into tartar which is much more difficult to remove. In fact, tartar needs to removed by a dental hygienist during your twice a year dental cleaning.

Even though people begin brushing their teeth when they are very young, many adults don’t know the specific steps involved in proper brushing. Let’s take a look at how you can be sure you are brushing well.

Gathering the Right Dental Tools

You can find information about Choosing the Best Toothbrush and Toothpaste here [link to former blog]. The most important thing to remember is to purchase a toothbrush you are comfortable using and a toothpaste with fluoride, as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). Don’t forget to buy floss too. There are a variety of flosses available at drugstores and supermarkets. Pick one that you think you will prefer as it’s important to floss each day.

The Brushing Process

1. Floss carefully in order to loosen and remove food particles and bacteria that can in between your teeth.

2. Wet the toothbrush and apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the bristles.

3. Starting with your back molars, brush one section at a time moving clockwise, ending with your lower molars. Tilt the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle. Clean the front, back, and top of each tooth using short strokes in a circular motion.

• Biting surfaces-  Place the bristles face down on the tooth and move the toothbrush back and forth.
• Upper front teeth- Hold the toothbrush face up, perpendicular to your mouth with the bristle side closest to your mouth. Open your mouth as if you are going to bite the bristles. Brush downwards against the surface.
• Bottom front teeth- Turn the toothbrush so that bristles are facing down. Then follow the same steps as for upper front teeth.
• Tongue- Brush front to back in a sweeping motion. Be sure to brush your cheeks too.
• Rinse, swish, and spit.

Being conscious of the way you brush your teeth will help you keep them healthy. Brushing regularly and visiting your dentist for a cleaning and check-up twice a year are the two best things you can do to make sure you have a beautiful smile.

Image Source: periomem.com

Original Source: craigarmstrongdds.com/cleanings-and-prevention/cut-down-on-cavities-the-steps-for-proper-toothbrushing