How To Brush Teeth Properly
The more tooth brushing, the better – right? Wrong.
Not only could you be brushing too much, but you could be brushing too hard. Why? You could be brushing valuable enamel off your teeth. Enamel acts as a protective layer over the tooth. It protects our teeth from germs, stains, sugar, and more.
When you brush your teeth for too long, you are at risk of stripping off this layer and exposing the tooth to nasty bacteria and germs, which can cause tooth decay or disease. The way you brush and the type of toothbrush you use also impacts your oral health.
If you apply too much pressure or use a firm toothbrush, over time, you can damage the top layer of gum tissue. Not only does this make our gums feel a bit sore and bruised, it also opens a window for bacteria to make its way into the inflamed gums, and potentially trigger gum disease.
Furthermore, your flossing technique may also be damaging your gums. A common mistake people make when flossing is by snapping or forcing the dental floss up between the teeth. This can harm the gums by cutting or brushing the delicate tissue, again, leaving you more susceptible to gum disease or tooth decay.
How To Properly Brush Teeth
- Use a small, pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
- Position the toothbrush at 45-degree angle towards the gum line.
- Brush in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes.
- Brush at least twice a day, morning and night (use a soft to medium brush).
- Replace your tooth brush every three months.
- Use an electric tooth brush
How To Properly Floss Teeth
- Gently curve the dental floss around the base of each tooth.
- Slide it against the side of the tooth, beneath the gum line, and back up again.
- Floss at least once a day.
If I brush and floss twice a day, do I really need to visit the dentist every 6 months?
Yes! There are nooks and crannies in our teeth that harbor bacteria that can only be removed professionally. The buildup of bacteria in these places is not accessible by everyday brushing and flossing, and if left untreated for too long, it can cause dental decay and jawbone/gum disease.
That’s why, here at Mulgrave Dental Group, we recommend booking in a dental check up every 6 months to stay on top of your oral health. Our oral hygienist is specifically trained in professional teeth cleaning. Call us on (03) 9562 5156 to book an appointment and you’ll prevent any possible damage or disease down the track.
