Brushing your teeth, along with daily flossing and semi-annual dentist checkups, is an important part of any oral hygiene regimen. The American Dental Association suggests brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Some people clean their teeth more often or for longer periods. Can you clean your teeth too often? Is it possible to “overbrush” the teeth? A dentist in Kensington, CA, can answer these questions and more since there are many skilled dentists whom you can consult if you live in California.
The good news is that you may brush as frequently as you like! But that is not the entire story. It is not about how often you brush but rather how you brush. In fact, even if you just brush twice a day, improper brushing practices might cause tooth damage. Using the incorrect tools or being overly harsh might cause harm to your gum tissue and enamel.
The bristles of your toothbrush are important.
Examine the bristles of your toothbrush the next time you pull it out of the bathroom cabinet. They should have rounded ends and show no signs of fraying. New bristles are completely smooth nylon cylinders, making them soft on your teeth and gums.
As you use your brush, the bristles will begin to wear down and seem jagged. When your bristles begin to wear, it is time for a replacement brush. Your dentist will give you a new one during your 6-month visit, but you may need a replacement sooner.
The different types of brushes.
It is critical to monitor the wear on your bristles and to select the appropriate brush from the start.
When shopping for a toothbrush at the drugstore, the first thing you will notice is that there are plenty of possibilities! Here is something that can help you narrow it down: medium and harsh bristles are out. You need a soft-bristled brush. Scrubbing with stronger bristles may appear to be a superior way to clean your mouth, but soft bristles accomplish the job just as well and without inflicting damage.
The importance of technique.
Now that you have the necessary equipment and are keeping an eye on your bristles, let us go over the brushing procedure. This is the most crucial component!
Lots of people just apply too much pressure. You are brushing your teeth, not scrubbing the bathroom tile. In fact, experts advise patients to consider “massaging” their teeth instead of brushing or scrubbing.
- Brush your gums and front teeth in tiny, circular strokes at a 45-degree angle.
- On the backs of your teeth, employ vertical, up, and down strokes.
- Place the brush immediately on the chewing surfaces and massage in circular strokes.
Make sure to wait at least 60 minutes after eating to brush your teeth. This allows your mouth’s pH balance to be restored to normal. If your PH is acidic, your enamel may temporarily soften. You can speak to your dentist for more information.