We all know that brushing our teeth is one of the most essential elements of any oral hygiene routine. Most people have pretty consistent brushing habits. So consistent, in fact, that you might not really give brushing a second thought. Here are three tips to help you up your brushing game.
Allow enough time. Most people brush twice a day, but many don’t give it enough time. Every brushing should take at least 2 minutes. This can seem impossibly long, especially for children, so you could try dividing your mouth into 30-second-each sections. Other people watch TV or use smartphone apps. However you get to 2 minutes is fine.
Brush sensitively. You might think that the harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth will be. Actually, brushing too hard can cause damage to your teeth and gums. If you use an electric brush, let it do the work. All you are doing is removing plaque, not buffing a new wax job.
Control your technique. Many people don’t have great brushing technique, but this is an important element. Avoid fast, side-to-side strokes. These can scrape your gums, which isn’t good. Instead, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and use an up-and-down movement with short strokes. Part of your 2 minutes should be spent on especial care of hard-to-reach places, as well as your tongue.
Better brushing leads to better oral health. Heritage Dental is committed to your oral health and overall wellness. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Charles Anonye, call our York, PA, office today. And while you are improving your brushing, don’t forget to floss!