Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing Your Teeth: The Ultimate Guide

Brushing TeethThe American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time.

There’s even a hashtag for it – #2min2x.

So now when your kids are reticent about brushing for two minutes at a clip, just share the hashtag.

If only it were that easy.

When you brush your teeth, you help remove food particles and sticky icky plaque that is the starting point for tooth decay- cavities. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel.

Plaque is a sticky white film that contains bacteria and forms on your teeth if you don’t brush it away twice a day.

Let’s take a deep dive into brushing your teeth, we’ll cover how long should you brush your teeth and the proper technique on how to brush your teeth the right way.

Jump to:

Brushing Your Teeth – Why It’s Important

pediatric patient brushing teethIt’s important to brush your teeth because your mouth health is directly linked to your overall health. In order to prevent cavities, you need to remove the plaque that forms on your teeth when bacteria in your mouth mix with the sugary or starchy foods you eat. This is equally important for people with dental implants, veneers, and other cosmetic dental treatments.

Everyone has dental plaque. If your teeth feel fuzzy when you run your tongue over them, that’s plaque. If you don’t remove plaque, it hardens into what is called tartar.

Tartar, also known as dental calculus, forms below and above the gum line and if not removed during a professional dental cleaning it can lead to teeth staining, discoloration, and eventually decay.

Plaque can lead to cavities, advanced stages of gingivitis (gum disease), dental emergencies, and eventually tooth loss. The keys to preventing & removing plaque are:

  • Brushing your teeth daily, twice a day for two minutes
  • Flossing daily
  • Regular dental checkups & teeth cleanings
  • A healthy diet
  • Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash

Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking professional dental care by finding a “dentist near me” is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

So we’ve established that brushing your teeth is an important part of your daily dental care routine. For a healthy mouth and smile the ADA recommends you:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Your toothbrush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily. electronic toothbrush or old-fashioned manual is up to you – just do it!
  • Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Brushing with an old worn-out toothbrush doesn’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
  • Brush your teeth with ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.

The proper brushing technique is to:

  • Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
  • Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
  • Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
  • To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.

Check out this video from the ADA on how to brush your teeth properly:

For How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth?

Brushing your teeth is crucial for a healthy smile and overall well-being. Dental experts recommend spending at least 2 minutes each time you brush your teeth. This timeframe allows the active ingredients in toothpaste to combat bacteria, plaque, and tartar effectively. Brushing your teeth for 2 minutes ensures thorough coverage of all tooth surfaces, including front, back, and chewing areas. It also promotes equal attention to each quadrant of your mouth, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

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Visiting your dentist regularly is an important step in maintaining a healthy, great-looking smile. If you would like to schedule a dental exam in Lynbrook, NY, give us a call today or schedule an appointment online right now.

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