How To Properly Brush Your Teeth

We all know to brush our teeth, but we often learned how to do this as a child. When was the last time you looked at your brushing technique? Here are some tips to consider as you brush up on your brushing habit.

The state of your toothbrush makes a big difference in how well your teeth get clean. Use a very soft-bristled toothbrush that is no more than 3-4 months old. When you buy a new brush, find a soft-bristled toothbrush that has earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal is found on the packaging of many individual products, including chewing gum, toothpastes, and toothbrushes. The seal indicates that the product has been tested thoroughly for safety and effectiveness. Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste and get ready to brush!

Make sure you are brushing your teeth for a full two minutes, twice each day. The consistency will pay dividends through excellent oral health. If you have trouble spending that much time on your teeth, try setting a timer! Some people find it useful to set a 30-second timer for each quadrant of their mouth to make sure their whole mouth gets clean.

When brushing your teeth, use gentle pressure (think “massage” rather than “scrub”). If you brush hard, you run the risk of scratching and tearing your gums and enamel. This opens them up to infection and increased risk of erosion and cavities.

For more information, call Olson Dental Care in Bloomington, Minnesota, at 952-884-1308.  Dr. Mitchell Olson and our team are happy to help you keep your dental hygiene habits on point!