Many of us have been brushing our teeth since childhood. Do we still have the brushing habits we had when we were children? Here are some things to consider as you brush up on your brushing technique.
Brush your teeth twice, every day. These should go for 2 minutes each session. If you have trouble spending that much time brushing, try setting a timer! Some people find it helpful to set a 30-second timer for each quadrant of the mouth, to ensure a thorough clean.
Use a fresh, clean toothbrush. Toothbrushes should be replaced 3-4 times a year (that’s once every 3-4 months). Replace it sooner if it becomes contaminated, or appears frayed or worn. Get a brush with soft bristles to avoid damaging tooth enamel or gum tissue. The brush should be the proper size and shape–it should be able to fit into all areas of your mouth.
To brush your teeth, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and brush using short, tooth-wide strokes. Brush the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces of each tooth, and remember to brush for a full two minutes!
For more information, call Aaron B. Pitts, DMD in Pine Valley, California, at 619-473-8735. Dr. Aaron Pitts and our team are happy to help!