It is common knowledge that brushing and flossing our teeth is important for keeping them healthy and preventing tooth decay. What you might not know is that the way you brush your teeth, how long you brush them, what you use to brush them and even how you clean and store your toothbrush is as important as brushing itself.

To begin with, retail stores have a large supply of toothbrushes of varying shapes and sizes, so it’s hard to know which one to buy and whether or not to go with a manual toothbrush or an electric one. A good rule of thumb is to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance on any toothbrush that you consider. This seal ensures that the product has been approved for oral safety and effectiveness, which means that the bristles don’t have sharp edges or points that could hurt your teeth or gums and that all components are safe for oral use. If you are considering an electric toothbrush, make sure that along with the ADA seal, it also “meets the requirements of a safety laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories, Northbrook, Illinois.”

The head of your toothbrush should comfortably fit in your mouth and have soft bristles with rounded head tips. Talk to your dentist about whether or not he or she recommends an electric toothbrush because patients who are prone to gum disease can often benefit from the extra vibration of an electric version. And don’t store your toothbrush in a closed or covered container which would create an ideal environment for the germ growth. Instead, store it in an upright position where it can air dry and keep toothbrushes separated so that germs can’t transfer from one to another. It goes without saying that you should never use someone else’s toothbrush or let them use yours because of the germs that can be transferred. And after you’re done brushing, thoroughly rinse your toothbrush to get rid of any food debris or toothpaste that may collect on the bristles.

Toothbrushes need to be replaced on an ongoing basis of about every three or four months because when the bristles become worn or frayed, they are no longer effective in removing food particles and plaque from in your mouth and on your teeth. And, as toothbrushes are used, they begin to accumulate “unseen” germs and bacteria that don’t need to be reintroduced into your mouth. So get into the habit of buying a new toothbrush (or refill for your electric toothbrush) every three to four months.

Your dentist can suggest the best toothpaste to use, but choosing one with fluoride can give your teeth the extra support that this mineral has been shown to provide. If you have problems with gum disease or other challenges with your teeth or gums, your dentist may suggest a special toothpaste or mouth rinse.

Brushing your teeth is not a routine that should be rushed through. You have thirty-two teeth to clean, so if you are spending less than two or three minutes brushing your teeth, you are not giving your teeth the time and attention they need. Here are some good general guidelines for effective brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day (preferably right after eating) and three times a day (after each meal) would be optimal. Hold your toothbrush at a forty-five degree angle along your gum line and move the brush in a circular motion with small, gentle strokes. Also put the bristles of the brush between your teeth with gentle pressure. First clean the front surfaces of your teeth and then do the same with the inside of your back teeth. In order to clean your upper and lower front teeth on the inside surfaces, hold your brush vertically and use back and forth motions to clean the teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. Don’t forget to clean the biting surfaces of all of your teeth. And remember to brush your tongue because bacteria can harbor there as well. After brushing, floss your teeth once a day (before going to bed is optimal) in order to remove those hard-to-reach pieces of food that lodge between your teeth.

Brushing the right way and with the right products will help you keep your teeth healthy and your smile beautiful.

Author Bio: Dr. Gianino has based his dental philosophy on patient respect and genuine relationships, taking the time to learn about the smile of your dreams – the smile you deserve. You can visit his website at DrGianino.com. He would love to hear from you.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: teeth brushing, teeth flossing, dental care, home dental care, dental hygiene