When life feels like a succession of New York minutes, it’s easy to shave time off mundane tasks like brushing your teeth. Although condensing your brush time or skipping a brushing session here and there may seem harmless, the long-term effects are detrimental to the overall health of your teeth – and to the overall health of your body. Your teeth play an important role in your health, from chewing food, to pronouncing words, to providing you with your distinctive smile. Your dental hygiene is integral to maintaining a healthy way of life, but just because you brush your teeth daily doesn’t mean that you are brushing them correctly. Let’s explore some brushing basics.
Finding the One
Good brushing starts with having the right tools, and no tool is more important than your toothbrush. You can find toothbrushes today to match any personality. From electric to manual, you can indulge your inner child with a toothbrush emblazoned with your favorite cartoon characters, superheroes or colors. The handle of the toothbrush isn’t as important as the design of the head and the texture of the bristles. Select a toothbrush proportionate to the size of your mouth with a soft bristle head. It seems counterintuitive to choose soft rather than stiff bristle heads, but a soft toothbrush head protects the integrity of your teeth and gums and makes and cleaning more efficient.
Sing, Sing a Song
Your mouth is an extensive breeding ground for bacteria, so it is imperative to brush for a minimum of two to three minutes at least twice a day. Of all of your daily tasks, brushing your teeth is the simplest. It takes the least amount of time, but it is still easy to underdo. Brushing for the correct length of time will not only keep gum disease at bay, but also keep your visits to the dentist at a minimum. With proper brushing and dental hygiene, you should be able to reserve your dentist visits for just your regular six-month cleanings. Humming or listening to one of your favorite songs is a great way to check that you are brushing for a full three minutes.
Not So Hard!
Contrary to popular belief, brushing in a vigorous way does not clean your teeth any more effectively than brushing gently. Your gums are sensitive and can easily recede and bleed with habitual, coarse brushing. The soft bristles on your toothbrush are malleable and can delicately mold into the grooves between your gums and teeth, debriding them of the accumulation of plaque and food particles. As you brush your teeth in circular patterns, use sweeping motions similar to how an artist brushes paints onto a canvas. Give each tooth its moment to shine and don’t forget about the back teeth, the tongue and along the perimeter of your mouth. Don’t let bacteria get a chance to settle and make a home.
I’m Late, I’m Late for a Very Important Date
It’s not a race to the finish line, and you don’t get a prize for finishing the quickest. Take your time brushing to reach all the contours of your teeth and give them the care they need to keep you happy and healthy.
Come See Us
Entrust your valuable smile to the hands of Dr. Kami Kohani at La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics. Ask about our new patient special when you call us at 858-295-0603. We look forward to caring for your beautiful smile.
