We all brush our teeth every single morning but are you doing it correctly? Brushing your teeth is very important if you want healthy teeth and want to prevent cavities and tooth decay.
Here are five things to keep in mind when brushing your teeth.
Are your toothbrush bristles soft enough?
A hard brush will just damage the protective enamel layer of your teeth which in turn leads to sensitivity. Hence, it is pertinent to use a soft toothbrush.
Brush gently
Brushing too hard will get you nowhere. It can damage your enamel, hurt your gums and even lead to gum recession. Brush gently, making sure you cover all surfaces.
Brush for 2 minutes
While most people brush for only 45 seconds, dentists recommend that one should brush for at least two minutes. How long you should brush your teeth is very important.
The right time to brush
It is ideal to brush your teeth twice a day: one before bed and once after breakfast since you tend to consume sticky food, such as cereals, for breakfast.
Brushing your teeth too many times a day can lead to overbrushing, which will wear away your teeth.
Brush in small circular motions
Keeping your brush at a 45-degree angle at all times, brush your teeth in circular motions. This helps remove particles of food that get stuck right under the gums.
The “sawing” motion can lead to gaps in your enamel that make the perfect home for tiny food particles.
Brush your tongue
As strange as it sounds, the tongue is actually one of the biggest sources of bad breath on account of all the microbes and food debris that get stuck on it. So it is important that you brush your teeth to get rid of it.
Floss
One should floss at least once a day to remove the food hiding between your teeth. If food is left between the teeth, it can cause bad breath and tooth decay.
Last but not least, change your brush every three to four months and visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and professional cleaning.
