When it comes to brushing your teeth, it may seem pretty basic. yet many people are doing it wrong. If you are not using the right tools or using those tools the wrong way, you may be causing more harm than good. For something that we should be doing twice daily, it is important to make sure you are brushing correctly in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, cavities, and other dental problems.

The Right Toothbrush

It is important to choose the right tool for the job and that includes choosing the right tooth brush. There are many option when it comes to toothbrushes whether it be a manual, electric, hard bristle, or soft bristle; it can be difficult to know which is best. Research shows that electric toothbrushes do remove more plaque than manual brushes, however, we always say the best toothbrush is the one you’ll use.

It may seem like hard bristles will give you a deeper clean, but it is actually best to go with a soft bristle toothbrush because they clean just as well without as much tooth wear. Hard bristles can irritate your gums and cause increase wear on tooth surfaces, making them prone to sensitivity. t

The Art of Brushing

The most common mistake people make is not brushing for long enough. The minimum amount of time it takes to do an adequate job is two minutes and should be done two to three times per day. This includes brushing the front of your teeth, back of your teeth, chewing surfaces, and tongue. Hold the toothbrush at a forty-five degree angle towards your gums and gently brush back and forth at about a tooth wide stroke. Try to avoid brushing straight across your teeth as this may cause damage to your gums if done too hard.

It is also important to replace your tooth brush about ever three months because the bristles have a tendency to break down. If you are in the San Diego area and would like more information about the benefits of brushing, please contact Dr. Bran Chan and his team at Classic Dental Smiles.