Even though you’ve been brushing for years, it never hurts to stop and see if what you’re doing is truly the best way to keep your mouth clean. What better way to confirm that than with a dental professional? Your dentist in Columbus has a lot of experience when it comes to oral health, so he can offer you some next-level tips.
Use the Right Brushing Technique
Hopefully when you brush you don’t just give your teeth a quick scrub and rinse. Proper technique requires attention to detail and concentration. To remove food debris and plaque, start by brushing your teeth at 45-degree angle to your gums and use short strokes across the front and sides of your teeth. Make sure to brush the back of your teeth as well with short, controlled vertical strokes as well.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is they don’t spend enough time brushing. The ADA recommends you should brush for at least two minutes at a time. If you’re bad at timing, use a timer or listen to a song that you know is two minutes long while brushing.
Have All the Necessary Tools Available
When purchasing toothpaste, you’ll want to look for the ADA Seal of Approval. This confirms that the manufacturer made the extra effort to meet strict regulations that promise an effective clean. The last thing you want to do is use a toothpaste that doesn’t even have enough fluoride to protect your enamel.
You’ll also want to make sure a box of waxed floss and a tongue cleaner is included in your oral care toolkit. When using floss, pull out at least 18 inches so you have enough to wrap around your fingers. By using a tongue cleaner, you’ll be able to remove the thick biofilm of bacteria that sticks to the back of your tongue, causing bad breath.
Take Care of Your Brush
When you finish brushing, make sure you rinse it properly after use. Avoid covering your toothbrush as this can cause more bacteria to breed inside the cover. Instead, simply let it airdry. Make sure you don’t share toothbrushes with anyone else either, as this can increase your chances of getting sick.
Over time, your toothbrush’s bristle will start to deteriorate. Once the bristle become severely frayed or lose a lot of color, it’s time to swap it out. A good rule of thumb is every 3 to 4 months or at your semiannual dental checkup (there’s a reason dentists always give you a toothbrush after your visit!)
With these tips in mind, you’ll better equipped than ever before to keep your mouth healthy and your dentist in Columbus very happy. Schedule an appointment today so they can applaud your incredible oral care performance!
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He’s also a member of the ADA, the Academy of General Dentistry, and many other dental associations and educational clubs. To learn more about this practice, contact him at (614) 459-7766 or visit his website.