You have probably been brushing your teeth for as long as you can remember. You do this because it is one of the best ways to keep your teeth healthy, while preventing tooth decay and gum disease from occurring. While we applaud every patient who takes preventive care seriously, we have to ask: Are you following best practices for brushing? If you cannot definitively answer this question with a wholehearted, “yes” then we encourage you to consider the following suggestions for brushing. By making even one or two minor adjustments to your daily habits, you can see major improvements in your ability to maintain a clean, healthy smile.

Best Brushing Practices

Choose Fluoride Toothpaste

Choosing the right toothpaste means selecting one that includes fluoride. This naturally occurring mineral helps to keep your teeth strong and healthy while you brush.

Choose A Soft Brush with a Small Head

A soft-bristle brush that you can fit in every area of your mouth will promote your best oral health. Anything stronger than a “soft” head may damage your teeth and gums, which is counterproductive when you are doing your best to safeguard your oral health.

Brush Long Enough

Do you brush really quickly? Do yourself a huge favor and extend your brushing session so that it lasts approximately two minutes. This will ensure you are brushing for a long enough amount of time to truly clean your teeth.

Brush Every Surface

Brush every tiny portion of each tooth, including the chewing surfaces, fronts, backs, and along your gumline. To successfully clean your gumline, hold the brush at an angle of approximately 45 degrees toward your gum tissue. Brush gently away from your gums to remove plaque or any food particles.

Brush Twice A Day

This is good enough. Wait 30 minutes after eating to brush… After eating the oral cavity is more acidic.  This increased acidity softens the teeth temporarily. Brushing right after a meal, while teeth are softest due to a low pH, can increase abrasion of the tooth.  Rinse with water after eating and brush after 30 minutes.  Your saliva will then have time to neutralize the pH and harden the teeth again.

ABOUT YOUR SAN DIEGO PERIODONTIST:

To learn how to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life, subscribe to this blog, and visit Dr. Kania for a consultation. As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania is specially qualified to diagnose and treat issues concerning periodontal tissue and the supportive structures of a patient’s smile, as well as place dental implants to restore teeth lost to dental disease or trauma. To seek Dr. Kania’s expertise, visit our office or contact us today at (760) 642-0711