Undoubtedly, you have been brushing for many years. In fact you may have been doing it for so long that it practically feels like second nature. Be that as it may, brushing your teeth is a little more complicated than some people realize. But don’t worry, it isn’t too complicated.
The first thing that you need to do is to make sure that your toothbrush is in good shape. The bristles should be in good condition. If they are worn or flattened, you should dispose of it, and purchase a new one.
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes at a time. If you decide to brush after every meal, it’s best to wait 30 minutes before brushing. This will give your saliva time to rinse the bacteria and acid from your mouth. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth. Brush the outsides of your top teeth, and then your bottom teeth, and then repeat for the insides. Don’t forget to clean the biting and chewing surfaces of your teeth. To clean the insides of your front teeth, hold your toothbrush vertically, and use short up-and-down strokes. While you have your toothbrush out, why not brush your tongue as well? Scrub your tongue gently, starting at the back and working your way to the front, cleaning the top and the sides. Rinse your mouth well when you are finished.
Remember that no matter how well you brush, there is no substitute for your regular visits to your dentist. Those visits give your dentist the opportunity to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth that your toothbrush may have missed, and to check your mouth and teeth for problems. If you have questions about oral hygiene, or if it is just time for your regular cleaning and exam, our dentist, Dr. Rahul Malik will be happy to see you! If you live in the San Leandro, California, area and would like to schedule an appointment at Unique Dental Care, call 510-380-8343 today.
