{"id":204856,"date":"2023-05-16T10:48:17","date_gmt":"2023-05-16T10:48:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.metroeastdentalcare.com\/?p=204856"},"modified":"2023-05-16T10:49:19","modified_gmt":"2023-05-16T10:49:19","slug":"the-fine-art-of-brushing-your-teeth-tips-techniques-and-guidelines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.metroeastdentalcare.com\/the-fine-art-of-brushing-your-teeth-tips-techniques-and-guidelines\/","title":{"rendered":"The Fine Art of Brushing Your Teeth: Tips, Techniques, and Guidelines"},"content":{"rendered":"
It\u2019s just one of those things we do. Brush our teeth. But when did you last check to see if you were actually doing it right? It\u2019s true. There is a wrong way to brush your teeth. And the right way is quite a technique and fine art. Read on to better understand everything you need to know about toothbrushing, including the tips, techniques, and guidelines to keep your smile happy and healthy.<\/p>\n
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health and well-being, and it all starts with brushing your teeth. While many people may view toothbrushing as a mundane task, there is a fine art to it that can make all the difference in keeping your teeth and gums healthy<\/a>.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s explore some toothbrushing tips everyone should know, including techniques for proper brushing, guidelines for selecting the right toothbrush, and other helpful tips for maintaining a healthy smile. Whether you’re\u00a0 seasoned at brushing your teeth or just starting out, this guide will provide the information you need to brush like a pro and keep your teeth shining bright.<\/p>\n According to an article in Dentistry Today, one-third of adults in the U.S. are under-brushing or over-brushing their teeth<\/a>. Further, 17% of people are believed to brush their teeth for only a minute, half the time dental experts recommend. But on the other side of the coin, it\u2019s believed that about 13% of the U.S. adult population brushes for four minutes at a time. So this begs the question, how long and how often should you brush your teeth?<\/p>\n The American Dental Association recommends brushing for two to three minutes twice daily<\/a>. Brushing your teeth for too short a time can lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar, which can cause cavities and gum disease<\/a>. Additionally, food particles and bacteria can accumulate in the mouth, leading to bad breath.<\/p>\n On the other hand, brushing your teeth too much or too hard can also cause problems. Over brushing can wear down tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity and even tooth decay. It can also cause gum recession and damage to the gums, leading to gum disease.<\/p>\n Many patients mistakenly believe they must put some elbow grease into toothbrushing. But the truth is that a gentle stroke using the right toothbrushing technique<\/a> and a soft-bristled toothbrush is all it takes. When you brush your teeth too hard, it can cause damage to both your teeth and gums. Signs that you may be brushing too hard include:<\/p>\n To avoid these problems, it’s essential to use proper brushing techniques<\/a>. You should hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums and brush in circular motions, brushing all surfaces of your teeth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth as well. Use gentle pressure and let the bristles do the work rather than applying too much force. Choosing a toothbrush with soft bristles helps minimize the risk of damage to your teeth and gums.<\/p>\n Though citrus fruits, apples, pineapple, and berries are healthy and tasty alternatives to snacks laden with sugars and starches, it\u2019s important to note these items are also high in natural acids. Consuming these fruits in moderation is generally safe for teeth, especially if followed by rinsing your mouth with water or brushing your teeth to help remove any residual acid.<\/p>\n However, individuals with pre-existing dental problems or conditions that make them more susceptible to tooth decay may need to be more cautious when consuming acidic fruits. Further, you should wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth after eating acidic fruits and foods because the acid in these foods can weaken the enamel on your teeth. When you brush your teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods, the abrasive action of the toothbrush combined with the weakened enamel can cause additional damage to your teeth. Waiting at least 30 minutes after eating gives your saliva time to neutralize the acid in your mouth and allows your enamel to re-harden through remineralization, reducing the risk of damage during brushing.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re brushing too hard, the first and foremost thing you need to do is lighten up, literally and figuratively. Let the toothbrush do the work instead of your arm. And instead of brushing aggressively, use gentle circular motions to cover all surface areas.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re experiencing some sensitivity in your mouth from brushing too hard, do the following in addition to lightening the pressure you apply during the brushing process.<\/p>\n Whether you are an adult brushing too hard or want your child to understand the best approach to good dental hygiene, Metro East Dental Care can help. After your dental cleaning<\/a>, we\u2019ll provide you with some toothbrushing tips to best protect your teeth and gums. We can also recommend the best soft-bristled toothbrush or desensitizing toothpaste based on your needs. Request an appointment<\/a> today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It\u2019s just one of those things we do. Brush our teeth. But when did you last check to see if you were actually doing it right? It\u2019s true. There is a wrong way to brush your teeth. And the right way is quite a technique and fine art. Read on to better understand everything you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":204857,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[101],"yoast_head":"\nAre you brushing long enough and often enough?<\/h3>\n
Avoid taking your aggression out on your toothbrush and teeth.<\/h3>\n
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Wait 30 minutes to brush after consuming acidic foods and beverages.<\/h3>\n
Mitigate brushing too hard with a few simple techniques.<\/h3>\n
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Need help with your brushing technique? Your kid’s dentist near Granite City can help.<\/h2>\n