09 Jan Toothbrush Habits
The most important dental habit is to brush your teeth at least twice daily and to floss once. But there are several other habits that are important. Here’s a few…
You should change your toothbrush whenever it begins to appear frayed. Broken, frayed bristles are poor cleaners of the teeth, so throw away a bad toothbrush the moment you begin to see deterioration. If the brush holds its shape and continues to appear effective, then abide by the rule to change out the brush every three to four months.
When you brush your teeth how long do you spend at the sink? Did you know that the average person only spends forty-five seconds brushing his or her teeth? It’s true. And your dentist at Silver Creek Family Dental would definitely prefer you to spend two minutes at the sink, brushing. If you have any doubt about the amount of time spent, then set a timer. You can use a simple baking timer, set to two minutes. Your phone’s clock is also likely capable. A timer that goes off with an alarm or a buzz can be a fun way for a child to end a tooth brushing session.
You also want to be careful how hard you press with the toothbrush. It’s common for people to push too hard, and the bristles can cause damage to both the teeth and surrounding gum tissue. You will also want to use a toothbrush that’s soft-bristled or medium-bristled. The stiff-bristled brush can cause damage to the gum tissue and should be avoided. If you have any question as to which toothbrush will work best for you, speak with your dentist.
Often people think it’s best to brush immediately following a meal, but it’s actually best to wait sixty minutes. If you have consumed something acidic, it’s possible that a brushing will only spread the acid around the mouth.
If you have any questions about toothbrushes, or if it is time to schedule your next checkup with your dentist at Silver Creek Dental, then call today.
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