Brushing their teeth is one of the first hygiene practices most children learn how to do on their own. From a young age, we recognize the importance of creating and keeping up with a good dental hygiene routine- but are you really doing all you can to brush your teeth thoroughly and efficiently? In today’s blog, your Auburn Hills, MI, dentist will share some advice for how to brush your teeth better than you have before.
Use a Fluoridated Toothpaste
Fluoride is not a scary chemical, contrary to what some companies touting more “natural” products may want you to believe. It is a mineral that is found in nature just about everywhere- in water sources, rocks, and soil, to name a few- and it is known to dentists as “nature’s cavity fighter” because of its amazing ability to strengthen your teeth! It even has the power to remineralize parts of your teeth that have started to decay, reversing the process and keeping you safe from cavities and the need for fillings. So, we highly recommend using a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Find a Brush That You Like
While there will always be new teeth cleaning products claiming different benefits, one of the most important things that you can do for your oral health is to choose a toothbrush that you like. Whether you prefer manual or electric, any toothbrush that you can buy with the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval should work just fine, and using a toothbrush you like will make you want to brush your teeth more than a toothbrush you don’t enjoy using.
Softer is Better
The other main thing to remember when choosing a toothbrush is that you don’t need hard bristles to get a good, deep clean. In fact, medium to hard bristles can actually harm your teeth by wearing down your enamel and can make your gums tender with repeated brushing. So, it is safest and most comfortable to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Time Yourself
The recommended amount of time that you should be brushing your teeth is two minutes. However, most Americans only end up brushing their teeth for about 45 seconds each time due to either being in a rush or just not having a good feeling for how long two minutes really is. For this reason, we recommend timing yourself when you brush your teeth to make sure you get a good, thorough clean! You can keep an analog clock in your bathroom and keep time that way, time yourself on your phone, or put on a song and stop it at the two minute mark. This will help you to rid your mouth of as much plaque as possible, helping you to avoid needing restorative care in the future.
Don’t Forget Your Checkups and Cleanings!
In addition to creating and keeping up with good habits at home, you can’t forget to attend your regular exams and cleanings at Advanced Dental Concepts. At your appointments, we can help deep clean your smile and watch for any problems that could develop over time. So, if you are due for your next cleaning, schedule an appointment by calling Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI, today at (248) 852-1820.
