Having your teeth professionally cleaned by the nearest dentist feels like pressing the reset button on your dental health. Your teeth are meticulously cleaned, scraped, and polished. It’s up to you whether they stay that way.
What happens at home may differ significantly from what happens in the dentist’s office. But don’t clench your teeth about it. Brushing your teeth at home correctly will aid in the prevention of gingivitis and tooth decay.
If you don’t brush properly using a soft-bristled brush, you could cause tooth abrasion or gum damage. Check out this step-by-step guide approved by a dentist near you to improve your toothbrushing game and your overall mouth health at home’s comfort.
Step 1: Prepare Your Toothbrush
Wet your toothbrush and put a tiny strip of toothpaste on it. If you’ve ever stood in the toothpaste aisle at the store, you’re aware of the plethora of options. It is entirely up to you, but try to choose one that contains fluoride, which protects the teeth from cavities and prevents tooth decay.
Step 2: Implementing The Accurate Brushing Technique
Take out a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to place on your toothbrush. Too much toothpaste might cause it to foam up in your mouth, luring you to stop brushing too soon. Furthermore, excess toothpaste raises the chance of swallowing it and consuming fluoride, which can cause stomach distress.
Step 3: Brushing the Outer Surfaces of Teeth
Point the bristles of the toothbrush tip toward the gum line and sweep the bristles up and away from the gum line. Repeat this step two or three more times. Circularly brush the top, biting surfaces of the upper and lower premolars and molars.
Step 4: Brushing the Inner Surfaces of Teeth
Brush the upper front teeth’s lingual (back) surface using the toothbrush tip. Direct the bristles toward the gum line and swipe down the tooth’s surface. Repeat two or three times more for a more thorough cleaning.
Step 5: Brushing the Chewing Surfaces of Teeth
Brush your molars in a back-and-forth motion. Position the toothbrush to keep the bristles perpendicular towards your lips or above your bottom molars. Begin with the molars at the rear of your mouth and work your way forward.
To clean them, use quick in-and-out motions with the toothbrush. Then, loosen and remove microorganisms from the surface using small circular motions. Switch your brush to the opposite side of your mouth when you reach your front teeth.
After cleaning your bottom teeth, flip the toothbrush over and concentrate on your upper molars. If brushing your teeth causes pain, consider using circular motions or switching to toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Move your lower jaw to the side you’re working on to gain access to the outsides of your top molars. This will assist in creating more room inside your mouth, allowing you to move your brush up and down rather than side to side.
Step 6: Brushing the Tongue and Roof of the Mouth
Teeth aren’t the only parts of your mouth that require cleaning. Food particles, plaque, and germs that cause bad breath can also be found on your tongue, the upper ceiling of your mouth, and the interiors of your cheeks. Like your teeth, they demand a thorough cleaning. Brush your tongue, the insides of your cheeks, and the roof of your mouth with a soft, circular motion.
Step 7: Rinsing and Cleaning the Toothbrush
Cleanse your mouth with water. Sip water from a disposable cup or run your hands under the faucet. Swish water around your mouth for a few seconds to remove leftover toothpaste, then spit it out. There is a substantial dispute about whether rinsing after brushing is vital.
Some dentist in Bridlewood recommend leaving the remaining toothpaste in your mouth after brushing to allow the fluoride to act. Other research has found that if you rinse after brushing, it elevates the impacts caused by fluoride toothpaste in the first place.
Also, after each usage:
- Rinse your toothbrush.
- Keep your toothbrush under running tap water for a while to wipe away all leftover toothpaste and bacteria.
- When you’re finished, leave your toothbrush upright to dry.
Bacteria may develop otherwise. If you fail to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly, you might invite old bacteria into your mouth the next time you use it.
Book an Appointment at EverSmile Dental
Brushing your teeth is a simple yet essential aspect of caring for your smile and your general health as well. Remember that healthy home practices, not visits to the dentist’s office, do most of the work in keeping your teeth clean. If you have concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us whenever you need!
