Just like when it comes to fashion, hairstyle and makeup, brushing your teeth should be done in a manner that fits your needs perfectly. There is no right or wrong way to clean your teeth – everything depends on your dental condition. Therefore it is important to coordinate with your dentist to know the most appropriate approach for you.
There are some guidelines that will help you attain the best possible oral hygiene. You might know some of them from your parents and school teachers. Nothing much has changed when it comes to cleaning your teeth, gums and tongue, despite the current plethora of toothbrush styles and toothpaste formulations.
You should buy a toothbrush with bristles that are neither too stiff nor too soft. According to dentists, a session should last for about two minutes. Turn off the faucet when you clean your teeth in order to keep yourself from rushing things and ending the act before you have actually cleaned your mouth thoroughly.
When brushing, hold your toothbrush at a 45degree angle to effectively remove plaque along the gum line, and use up-and-down and small circular strokes to brush your teeth. However, if you are prone to having recession and abrasion at the gum line, a 45degree angle may be damaging. Ask your dentist to advise you how to brush without further damaging your teeth.
Thoroughly brushing your tongue is important because most of the oral bacteria can be found there. Do it after you brush your teeth and not the other way around so that you don’t spread those bacteria all over your mouth. When you finish cleaning your tongue, rinse thoroughly with water.
Be cautious of using whitening toothpastes because they contain silica that can wear away enamel, and leave you with sensitive teeth. The enamel doesn’t grow back, so be gentle each time you brush. If you tend to brush too hard, hold your toothbrush with just 2 or 3 fingers to ensure light brushing.
Eat a crunchy fruit or vegetable when you feel like your teeth can use some cleaning, but a toothbrush is not within your easy reach. Chewing fruits and vegetables that are rich with fiber and water, will clean your teeth in an all natural way.
