Tips on Brushing It's no secret that proper dental hygiene is essential for maintaining oral health, but brushing correctly can often be challenging. From selecting the right toothbrush to knowing how often to brush, there are many factors to consider when it comes to keeping those your teeth healthy and clean.At Gresham Dental Excellence, we want the best for our patients. Here is some helpful advice on brushing from our skilled professional Dr. Gary S. Cooke so you can get the most out of an effective brushing routine. Brush Twice a DayFailing to brush regularly can have severe consequences for your teeth and gums. Not brushing regularly can lead to bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. Plaque can build up quickly, putting you at risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Use a Soft-Bristled ToothbrushDr. Cooke at Gresham Dental Excellence recommends to opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush. This is because soft-bristled toothbrushes are less likely to cause damage to your enamel and gums than hard-bristled toothbrushes. Use the Right Brushing TechniqueHold the brush at a 45-degree angle against your gums and use gentle circular motions to clean your teeth. Brush from where the teeth and gums meet to the chewing surface in a circular motion. Also, focus on one section of your mouth at a time, spending at least 10 to 15 seconds brushing each section. Also, brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria. Use Fluoride ToothpasteTo ensure better oral health and strong teeth, using fluoride toothpaste daily is highly recommended by our dentists. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can greatly benefit dental health. When used in toothpaste, fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay-causing acids. Fluoride also helps to remineralize weak spots on teeth and can reduce the amount of plaque present, which is a precursor to both tooth decay and gum disease. Switch to an Electric ToothbrushElectric toothbrushes are a great option for those looking to improve their oral hygiene routine and reduce their risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease. These toothbrushes are designed to vibrate or rotate, allowing them to clean more efficiently. Meaning that they are more effective at removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums, resulting in better oral health. Electric toothbrushes often have built-in timers to ensure that you brush for the recommended two minutes while also providing visual and/or audio cues to help you brush evenly throughout your mouth. It is also great for people with limited mobility, such as those with arthritis. An electric toothbrush can be particularly helpful in ensuring that teeth are cleaned thoroughly. Brush 30 Minutes After EatingAt Gresham Dental Excellence, our clinicians recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth. This is because the food and drink we consume can cause the enamel on our teeth to weaken. Enamel is a protective layer that covers our teeth and is made up of minerals. When we eat foods with high acidity, the enamel on our teeth can become temporarily weakened and more susceptible to erosion. If we brush our teeth immediately after eating, we can actually cause more damage to the weakened enamel, as the friction of brushing can be abrasive. Waiting at least 30 minutes gives our saliva time to neutralize the acids and allows the enamel to begin to re-harden and strengthen. For additional tips on brushing, contact Gresham Dental Excellence at (971) 431-7292. |
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