4 Great Brushing Tips That Will Impress Your Dentist

Brushing your teeth is one of the most important parts of your at-home oral hygiene routine. Because you’ve been brushing your teeth since childhood, you probably think you’ve got a pretty good idea of how to do it correctly. However, there are few things you can do to make sure that you’re giving your smile a little extra care!

4 Tooth-Brushing Tips

Below are a few tips you can use to wow your dentist at your next checkup:

• Be Gentle – Many people believe that the harder they brush, the cleaner their teeth will be. Not only is this not the case, but it may actually damage your tooth enamel. Instead of scrubbing your teeth as hard as you can, hold your brush gently. Brush in a circular motion at around a 45-degree angle. This technique will ensure that your teeth are clean and won’t damage them in the process.
• Update Your Brush – As you use your toothbrush, it’s natural for bacteria to become trapped in the bristles. Once this happens, you won’t be able to get your teeth as clean as you’d like. We recommend getting a new toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles of your brush begin to fray, whichever comes first. It’s also smart to update your brush after you’ve been sick with the cold or the flu.
• Set a Timer – It has been recommended that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes at a time. Any less than this and you probably aren’t cleaning each tooth properly. To make sure you’re brushing for the full two minutes, it might be a good idea to set a timer or play a song that lasts two minutes.
• Chew Sugar-Free Gum – Lastly, chewing sugar-free gum after meals is a great way to loosen any food debris that has become trapped in the teeth. Chewing gum can also stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth, which will help to rinse plaque buildup off the teeth.

For more great tips on keeping your smile healthy and beautiful, or if you need to make an appointment for your family to receive dental cleanings and exams, please contact Auburn Family Dental. Our family dental office is located here in Wichita, KS.