You’ve been doing it since you were five. You switch to auto pilot morning and night and get it done. But are you doing it right? At Roy Dental Care in Roy UT, we see a surprising number of people making mistakes when they brush their teeth.
Here are essential tooth brushing tips:
1. Take your time.
It’s understandable. You want to get it over with and go to bed. But proper teeth cleaning takes time and attention. Time yourself the next time you brush—you might be surprised at how quickly you finish. At a minimum, the process should take at least two minutes.
It can also help to take a different route around your mouth every few days. By changing your routine, you approach areas from a different, and possibly, better angle.
2. Don’t forget to floss.
No matter how thorough you are with your brush, it’s all but impossible to get those narrow spaces between your teeth. That is where bacteria can easily multiply and start the decay process.
3. Use the right toothbrush.
It is ironic that some people damage their enamel or gums because they brush too forcibly with a rigid brush. We recommend using a soft brush and a light touch. Soft bristles are rigid enough to remove plaque and other food debris, and a light touch ensures the bristles won’t bend. They’re far less efficient if they do.
4. Don’t keep your tooth brush near the toilet.
This is horrible to think about, but each time the toilet is flushed, bacteria is sent far into the air, even if you close the lid. Keep your toothbrush in a clean place and allow it to air dry.
5. Use fluoride toothpaste.
This may seem like a no-brainer but you may be surprised that some oral care products don’t contain fluoride. And you may think it’s only for children. Not true. Your enamel is continually under assault from acidic foods and drinks and fluoride helps it remineralize.
At Roy Dental Care in Roy UT, we want the best possible dental health for all our patients. That means regular and proper brushing, and seeing us for a checkup every six months. Our services include general and restorative dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with us today!
Contact Roy Dental Care:
801-776-2806
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
4902 S 1900 W Ste 4
Roy, Utah
84067
