You’ve been brushing your teeth since you were five. You switch to auto pilot morning and night and get it done. This question from Allen Park Dental Care may seem odd, yet we ask: are you brushing correctly?
As it happens, many people are make mistakes when they brush their teeth. You may need to tweak your routine to better sustain your dental health, and protect your smile from cavities and gum disease.
Here are some tooth brushing tips:
1. Take your time.
You want to get it over with and go to bed. But proper brushing takes time and attention. Time yourself—you might be surprised at how rapidly you finish. The process should take at least two to three minutes. It can also help to take a different route around your mouth every few days. By changing your system, you approach areas from a different, and possibly, better angle.
2. Don’t forget to floss.
No matter how agile you can be with your brush, it’s problematic to expel the plaque from all those narrow gaps between your teeth. That is where bacteria can easily multiply and start the decay process.
3. Use the right toothbrush.
It is ironic that some people hurt their enamel or gums because they brush too forcibly with a rigid brush. Drs. Szalai guides patients to only use a soft brush. If you’ve had gum grafts, you may want to use an extra soft brush.
4. Don’t keep your tooth brush near the toilet.
This is terrible to think about, but each time the toilet is flushed, bacteria is sent far into the air—even if you close the lid. Keep your toothbrush in a clean place and permit it to air dry.
5. Use fluoride toothpaste.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you may be surprised that some oral care products don’t contain this essential mineral. And you may think it’s only for kids. Not true. Your enamel is continuously under assault from acidic foods and drinks and fluoride helps it remineralize.
At Allen Park Dental Care, we want the best possible dental health for all of our patients. It begins at home, with a good brushing and flossing regimen. It also includes seeing us every six months. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup today!
Contact Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care:
313-928-2323
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
5329 Allen Rd
Allen Park, Michigan
48101
