You’ve been brushing your teeth your whole life, but have you been brushing them the right way?
If you’re not brushing properly, you’re not protecting your teeth from cavities, gum disease, and other serious dental complications.
Improper teeth brushing can cause…
- Cavities and tooth decay.
- Gum damage and recession.
- Periodontal disease and other oral diseases.
And much more.
Maybe you think you know everything you need to know about brushing your teeth. But we bet you don’t know at least one of the teeth brushing myths and tips we’re going to share with you.
In this comprehensive teeth brushing guide, you will learn…
- Proper teeth brushing techniques
- Teeth brushing myths debunked
- 7 signs you’re brushing your teeth the wrong way
- 6 signs you need to replace your toothbrush
- The do’s and don’ts of brushing your teeth
And more.
Don’t wait any longer to give your smile the dental care it deserves.
Get ready to find out whether YOU are committing these teeth brushing don’ts.
But first, let’s look at how you can be sure to brush your teeth the right way starting right now.
Proper Teeth Brushing Techniques
Give Your Smile The Dental Care It Deserves
When you brush your teeth the right way, you give your smile all the attention it deserves.
Proper teeth brushing can result in…
- Whiter teeth
- Cleaner teeth
- Healthier teeth and gums
- Heightened self-confidence
- An even happier, healthier YOU!
Don’t you want to make your smile the best it can be?
Check out the proper teeth brushing techniques below.
What You Need To Brush Your Teeth Properly:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental Floss
- Your bathroom sink
Did you know… your teeth brushing tools matter! Be sure to ask your trusted family dentist about the best dental brands.
Technique #1: Brush Daily, 2-3 Times Per Day
Keeping your smile healthy means daily dedication. At Dr. Chang’s Family Dentistry, we recommend brushing your teeth 2-3 times per day. It’s especially important to brush after eating sugary or acidic foods as these are major cavity culprits.
Technique #2: Floss Daily
Brushing your teeth is not enough. Your daily dental health care routine should include flossing. According to this Corpus Christi dental office, you should floss your teeth at least once per day.
The Great Debate: Should You Floss Before or After Brushing? The truth is… it doesn’t really matter, as long as you do a thorough job.
Technique #3: Brush On An Angle
If you’re brushing in long strokes from side to side or up and down, you’re not brushing the right way. To brush properly and avoid damaging your gums, brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle from your gumline. Keep brush strokes short – only as wide as a single tooth.
Now that you know the basics of brushing your teeth properly, it’s time to debunk common teeth brushing myths.
Teeth Brushing Myths Debunked
Did You Grow Up Believing Any of These Myths?
Myth #1: You Need To Brush Hard To Properly Clean Your Teeth
False! You can achieve the same results by brushing lightly. The same goes for toothbrush bristles. You don’t need hard bristles to brush well – soft bristles can do the same job. Plus, you won’t risk damaging your gums. Aggressive teeth brushing can cause gum recession and, in severe cases, tooth loss.
Myth #2: You Should Stop Flossing If Your Gums Bleed
Not true! In most cases, your gums bleed during flossing because you aren’t doing it often enough. Bleeding while flossing happens because the floss is reaching new places that your toothbrush can’t reach. You may have plaque build-up in that neglected area, which makes your gums swell and bleed.
Myth #3: Mouthwash Is A Perfect Substitute For Brushing Your Teeth
Absolutely not! Mouthwash can certainly assist in your oral health care routine, but it should not be used to replace brushing your teeth. Your toothbrush can remove stubborn food particles that mouthwash simply cannot. Ask your Corpus Christi family dentist if you should add mouthwash to your teeth brushing routine.
Have you been living by any of these myths?
Keep reading to find out sure-fire signs that you’re brushing your teeth the wrong way.
8 Signs You’re Brushing Your Teeth The Wrong Way
- You only pick up your toothbrush every so often
- Your gums bleed during flossing and/or brushing
- Your teeth feel gritty or grainy even after brushing
- You keep finding food particles in between your teeth
- Your breath is always sub-par no matter how often you brush
- You have stubborn stains on your teeth that are only getting worse
- Your dental health care routine lasts less than two minutes
- You don’t replace your toothbrush on a regular basis
Did you know… You should replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
How long has it been since you last replaced your toothbrush? Most dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush after 3 months of use. If you notice frayed bristles, be sure to replace your toothbrush right away.
Here are 5 signs you need to replace your toothbrush right now.
Replace your toothbrush if…
- You were recently sick
- Your toothbrush bristles are frayed
- Your toothbrush bristles make your gums bleed
- Your teeth don’t feel clean after brushing properly
- You’ve been using the same toothbrush for over 3 months
Now that you have a lot of knowledge on how to brush your teeth the right way, let’s tap into the do’s and don’ts of brushing your teeth.
The Do’s And Don’ts Of Brushing Your Teeth
Start Brushing The Right Way Right Now
Are you guilty of any of these teeth brushing don’ts? Read on to find out now.
Don’t: Brush in long strokes across multiple teeth.
Do: Brush in short strokes at a 45-degree angle from your gums.
Did you know… brushing in long strokes isn’t as efficient as brushing in short ones. Short brush strokes target teeth individually, which makes it easier for you to remove food buildup and prevent tooth decay.
Don’t: Apply extreme pressure when brushing.
Do: Apply gentle pressure when brushing.
Did you know… brushing with too much force can cause gum recession and enamel loss. You can brush your teeth just as well when you apply gentle pressure. The toothbrush bristles are powerful enough to get the job done without overdoing it.
Don’t: Use an old or frayed toothbrush.
Do: Replace your toothbrush with a new one every 3-4 months.
Did you know… a frayed toothbrush is much less effective at removing stubborn food particles. When you neglect to replace your toothbrush, you put yourself at risk of developing plaque and tooth decay.
Don’t: Speed through your teeth brushing routine.
Do: Spend two full minutes brushing your teeth thoroughly.
Did you know… a proper teeth brushing session takes two minutes or more. This includes brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. Don’t rush the process.
Don’t: Skip the floss.
Do: Floss daily.
Did you know… flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. Ask your Corpus Christi dentist about the best floss brands for you and your smile.
Don’t: Forget to brush before bed
Do: Brush at least twice per day
Did you know… most dentists recommend brushing 2-3 times per day depending on your diet and your oral health.
Don’t: Neglect your tongue
Do: Brush your tongue along with your teeth
Did you know… a white tongue is an unhealthy tongue. A clean tongue should look pink and hydrated. Be sure to remove bacteria by scraping or brushing your tongue during your dental health care routine.
Don’t: Keep your toothbrush close to the toilet
Do: Store your toothbrush a safe distance from the toilet
Did you know… microscopic bacteria can spray up to 10 feet when you flush the toilet. Keep your oral hygiene tools a safe distance away from the spray.
Don’t: Avoid the dentist for years.
Do: Visit your dentist every 6 to 12 months.
Did you know… this one might be the most important on this list. When you see your dentist on a regular basis, you are more likely to maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
Keep reading to find out why it’s vital to visit your dentist regularly.
Visit Your Corpus Christi Dentist Every 6 to 12 Months
Did you know your dentist can remove plaque and tartar that you can’t get to with your everyday teeth brushing tools?
When you visit the dentist regularly, you not only receive professional teeth cleaning, but you also make sure your teeth are healthy and thriving.
Plus, your Corpus Christi dentist can give you helpful tips to brush your teeth even more effectively. They can even recommend top dental products for you to use at home.
Find The Best Dentist In Corpus Christi Now
Are you looking for a reliable dentist in the Corpus Christi area?
Dr. Derek J Chang’s Family Dentistry is by far the best dental office in Corpus Christi, Texas.
From routine cleanings to professional teeth whitening and everything in between, the dental experts at Dr. Chang’s can help you.
Click here or call 361-992-7631 to schedule your dental appointment right now.
