No matter your age, if you have teeth, it’s not enough just to practice great oral hygiene — this means brushing and flossing daily — but it also means being mindful of how you perform these tasks!
Brushing your teeth twice a day almost becomes automatic, something you do without thinking. Believe it or not, there’s a right way to scrub your pearly whites, and a wrong way.
Dr. Ali Saeghi and the excellent Modern Age Dentistry team not only provide diverse services to patients in need of everything from routine care to cosmetic dentistry to emergency procedures, but they also provide patients with education about how best to care for your oral health, and that includes brushing.
Brushing can go wrong in different ways, but the most obvious signs of a problem are:
These problems can be traced to different culprits, but often, it’s smart to examine what type of toothbrush you’re using and the way you go about brushing your teeth.
Picking the right toothbrush is a bit like the children’s story “The Three Bears.” You need to find one that’s “just right.” If you select one that’s soft and you don’t brush with enough pressure, your teeth will develop plaque and tartar buildup because they won’t be getting clean enough. This can lead to cavities.
All in all though, dentists recommend a soft-bristled brush because it has the flexibility to get into all the tiny nooks and crannies where bacteria can hide in your mouth.
Another practice that leads to decay is not replacing your toothbrush often enough. When the bristles become worn, frayed, and otherwise used up, your teeth are put at risk. Aim to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. You can even purchase brushes with colored bristles that fade when it’s time to replace your toothbrush.
On the other hand, if you choose a hard-bristle brush and apply excessive pressure when brushing, you can inflame your gums and actually start wearing away the protective enamel on your teeth. This is potentially serious, since teeth aren’t able to regenerate enamel. If it wears away, it can’t be replenished. So go easy on the pressure you use to brush.
You might debate about whether to use a manual or electric toothbrush, but as long as the one you choose carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance, you’re good to go.
If you’re outfitted with a clean, new, and unworn toothbrush, it’s time to focus on the optimal way to brush:
Heed this advice, and you should get your teeth good and clean every time — without putting your enamel at risk or making decay more likely.
As Dr. Saeghi often says, your oral health habits serve as the foundation of your dental health. Brushing properly is critically important in maintaining the integrity and beauty of your smile.
Modern Age Dentistry has offices in Los Angeles, West Hills, and Ojai, California. Call or message the one that’s most convenient for you and schedule an appointment with Dr. Saeghi — he’s always happy to treat you.
