BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

You’re Brushing Your Teeth Wrong! 4 Tips to Start Following


You’re Brushing Your Teeth Wrong! 4 Tips to Start Following
Posted on April 22, 2019

Tooth brushing. It’s a task you’ve been doing twice-daily for most of your life – but have you been doing it correctly?

How you brush your teeth can make a huge difference in your overall oral health. Here are four tips to start implementing today to improve your brushing skills!

Choose the Proper Tools

Like most tasks in life, having the right tools helps get the job done right!

Toothbrush: Prevent gum damage by investing in a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Being able to reach the backs of your teeth is essential, so choose the right sized one for your mouth.

Electric toothbrushes are always an option. Keep in mind, however, that they only work if you have an excellent brushing technique!

Toothpaste: Fluoride prevents tooth decay, replaces lost minerals in teeth and helps make them stronger. That’s why it’s crucial that it’s in your toothpaste! Not all toothpaste has it so make sure it does.

Disclosing Tablets: To see if you’ve removed most of the plaque on your teeth, use a disclosing tablet. Available in grocery stores and pharmacies, they help make plaque visible and show you areas you missed while brushing.


Brush for the Right Amount of Time

You should be brushing at least two times per day, or after every meal.

Besides the frequency of brushing, the technique is important! If you’re not brushing for at least two minutes, you’re likely not cleaning well enough.

Set a timer or play a song for two minutes on your phone to hit that timeframe.


Use the Right Brushing Technique

Prep your toothbrush by dispersing only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Use short, gentle brush strokes and a 45-degree angle. Get as close to your gum line as possible so that tartar can be removed. Don’t forget the backs of your teeth! They are equally important as the ones you see.

Missing areas of your mouth can inhibit bacteria growth and create other oral health problems. Thoroughly brush both the upper and lower teeth, the chewing surfaces, the inner surfaces and the outer surfaces. Don’t forget to brush your cheeks and tongue!

Remember to incorporate flossing and an oral rinse into your brushing routine, too.


Consult the Experts

Dentists love when patients ask questions related to their oral health, so don’t be afraid to ask us about brushing techniques.

Although it’s something that we all (hopefully) complete regularly, it’s a skill that many people can do better.

We can gladly demonstrate proper brushing technique with you at your next dental cleaning visit.

Call us today to schedule yours!

"I have been going to Stoney Creek Dental for the past 12 years and can't say enough about how professional and polite the entire staff is! I am always welcomed with a smile from the front line staff, even if it was an emergency appointment they would always accommodate me. I am really impressed with the new location and think the decor was done with perfection! Thank-you" - Matteo Cocomazzi

Read More

"My family and I have been going to Stoney Creek Dental for over 15 years. All of the office staff is friendly and courteous. I love that they offer evening appointments to accommodate the working family. The team is professional and I know that they always put my families health as a priority. The hygienists are great with kids and make them comfortable and relaxed, my daughter actually asks, “when are we going back to the dentist?” I have complete confidence with Dr. Park and his team for all of our dental needs." - Denise A

Read More

"Our family, as well as other family members have been with Stoney Creek Dental for many years. Besides giving us the best dental care available, the atmosphere in this office is just wonderful. We always feel special as soon as we walk in the door. You never have that sense of hurry up, or wanting to rush out of the office when your procedure is done. The Doctors and staff at Stoney Creek Dental office make you feel comfortable and at home. We love coming in and chatting with everyone. Thanks for being my Dental Care Friends. :)" - Dave and Diane Bozich

Read More