Patients often ask: What’s the correct way to brush my teeth? To keep your smile healthy and bright, you must know the best ways to care for your teeth. Both children and adults benefit from routine and proper tooth brushing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Correct Brushing
Question: How often should I brush?
Answer: Both our office and the American Dental Association recommend patients brush their teeth at least twice a day. Typically, you should brush once you wake up and again before bed. This removes food particles and bacteria from your mouth, which reduces your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. In addition, brushing helps you maintain fresher breath and a brighter smile.
Question: Does it matter how I hold my brush?
Answer: Yes. You should first hold your tooth at a 45-degree angle against the gumline, gently brushing back and forth. Then, take the brush and go back and forth over the chewing surfaces. Finally, to address bacteria and freshen your breath, brush the surface of your tongue. Remember, the entire session should last at least two minutes.
Question: What type of brush should I use?
Answer: Always select a brush with soft bristles. Hard or medium bristles can potentially damage the enamel and hurt your oral health. Also, look for the American Dental Association seal of approval on your toothbrush and toothpaste.
Question: When should kids start brushing?
Answer: Your child should start brushing the moment the first baby tooth erupts. Initially, you should clean the baby tooth with a cloth. As more teeth arrive, upgrade to an age appropriate brush. Like you, your children need to brush twice a day and you may need to help them or supervise them to ensure thorough and proper brushing.
ABOUT YOUR DALLAS, TX DENTIST:
Dallas TX dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, DDS offers a comfortable dental care employing the latest in cutting-edge dental technology. We strive to make sure our patients in Dallas and Richardson have access to innovative preventive, cosmetic, and restorative procedures. To schedule an appointment, call Viva Dental Family Dentistry at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).
