Believe it or not, there’s a right way to brush your teeth. The proper technique can mean all the difference to your oral health, playing a role not only in the immediate cleanliness of your mouth but also the long-term condition of your teeth and gums.
The good news is that it’s never too late to learn the right technique, a method that’s advised by the American Dental Association (ADA). Here’s why it’s so important to learn how to brush properly and what you need to do to clean your teeth the right way.
Why Brushing Teeth Properly Is Important
Brushing is the key to a clean and healthy mouth — but following ADA guidelines is essential to really reaping the full benefits of this vital daily habit. The proper technique ensures that you don’t miss a spot and that your teeth are cleaned as thoroughly as possible, covering the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces completely.
Not only is brushing the most effective way to remove food debris and prevent plaque buildup on your teeth that could otherwise lead to cavity formation, but it also stimulates your gums. Improved blood circulation to the gums supports a healthier environment and a reduced chance of developing gum disease.
You can also prevent tartar buildup by brushing properly. This is a form of hard, stubborn plaque that is difficult to remove, which is why it’s so critical to schedule regular visits every six months with your dentist. These cleanings ensure that tartar doesn’t have a chance to accumulate and cause issues like gingivitis, halitosis, and yellowing of the teeth.
How to Brush Your Teeth Properly
How can you tell if you’re brushing your teeth the right way? There are a few factors that contribute to effective brushing that’s considered “right” as recommended by the ADA. Here’s what you should do.
- Hold Your Brush at the Right Angle
Gripping your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle is the most effective way to ensure that you clean the entirety of your teeth. The brush should contact the point where your teeth and gums meet.
- Apply Pressure, But Be Gentle
While you do want to press firmly on your teeth with the brush, you don’t want to be vigorous when cleaning. Use a “rocking” motion to take your brush over all of your teeth. Create small circles as you go, as this allows you to more effectively clean crevices in the teeth and spaces between the teeth. This motion also supports more efficient plaque removal.
- Brush Every Part of Every Tooth
Be deliberate about how you brush your teeth instead of casually gliding the brush over them. Make sure to clean the front, the back, and the chewing surface of every tooth, remembering to maintain the gentle pressure and circular motions as you go. Finish by brushing your tongue thoroughly to prevent bacterial buildup and maintain fresh breath.
- Make Sure to Brush for Two Minutes
Two is the magic number where brushing your teeth is concerned. You can use a timer if you want, or you may want to invest in a toothbrush that buzzes every 30 seconds. Think of this as an alert to switch from one quadrant of your teeth to the next. This is also a great way to ensure that you’ve brushed all teeth.
- Brush at Least Twice a Day
The ADA guidelines also state that you should brush your teeth twice a day, each time abiding by the two-minute suggestion. Twice is the bare minimum, so you should aim to do so every morning and at night before you go to bed. Some people prefer to brush after each meal.
Other General Toothbrushing Guidelines
Following the ADA’s guidelines is a great way to protect your teeth, but there are other pointers you should also keep in mind to really go the extra mile for your oral health.
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to prevent damage to tooth enamel and protect your gums
- Use an ADA-approved toothpaste formulated with fluoride to reduce the chances of decay by strengthening tooth enamel and minimizing acid production
- Alternatively, if you are opposed to fluoride using a Hydroxyapatite based toothpaste is recommended.
- Floss twice daily to remove any food that remains lodged between your teeth and at the gumline
- Run your toothbrush under cold water after brushing and allow it to dry thoroughly to prevent bacterial buildup
Dental Care at Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge
Brushing your teeth properly is an excellent first step on the path to healthier teeth and gums, but it’s equally important to visit the dentist regularly. Trust in the team at Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge to make a difference in your oral health, offering extensive services ranging from general exams to restorative procedures to teeth whitening. Visit our website for more information, or call us at 770-389-0389 to schedule an appointment.
Flossing plays a vital role in your dental hygiene routine as it effectively eliminates plaque from the spaces between your teeth and along the gum line. Since tooth decay and gum disease often originate in these areas, flossing is crucial to good oral health.
Plaque harbors bacteria that thrive on leftover food particles and sugars in your mouth. The harmful bacteria release acids that erode the outer layer of your teeth, leading to cavities and potential gum issues.
Here at Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge, we emphasize the significance of proper dental care education. We recommend a routine of brushing and flossing twice a day. Check out our helpful flossing guide below.
Choosing the Best Floss
The most effective flossing begins with choosing the best floss for your needs and preferences. There are many options:
- Thread floss—made from approximately 35 strands of nylon twisted together
- Waxed and unwaxed floss—waxed floss is recommended for individuals with little space in between their teeth as it glides between the teeth better
- Flavored and unflavored floss– floss can be found in various flavors including mint and cinnamon
- Tape floss is also known as dental tape—better for widely spaced teeth, and it won't fray
- Super flosses—ideal for patients with braces, bridges, or other appliances
What to Watch for When Flossing
No matter what type of floss you use, check with your dentist if you notice any of these symptoms during or after flossing:
- Painful, swollen,bleeding, or red gums
- Gum or tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
- Discharge or pus around the gums or teeth
- Loose teeth
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Changes in the alignment of your top teeth and bottom teeth
- Evidence that your gums are pulling away from your teeth—it might appear that your teeth are longer
Steps for Effective Flossing
The American Dental Association offers these essential steps for effective flossing:
Use approximately 18 inches of dental floss. Wind most of the strand around one of your middle fingers, and then wind the remaining portion around the corresponding finger of your opposite hand. It will take up the used floss as it accumulates debris.
Hold the floss securely between your thumbs and forefingers.
With a gentle back-and-forth rubbing motion, guide the floss between your teeth. Avoid snapping it into the gums, as this can cause discomfort.
When the floss gets to the gum line, shape it into a C against a single tooth. Gently slide the floss into the space between the gum and the tooth.
As the floss reaches the gum line, shape it into a C against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the tooth and the gum.
Press the floss against the tooth and gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum using up and down motions. Repeat this process for all your teeth, including the back side of your last tooth.
Discard the used floss. Reusing floss isn't as effective as a new strand and can leave bacteria in your mouth. After flossing, you should also be sure to brush your teeth or rinse with water to rid your mouth of any excess debris and plaque.
Let Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge Help Improve Your Dental Health
While flossing is an integral part of your dental hygiene routine, it should also be paired with regular visits to your dentist. At Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge, we can help with all your dental health needs, from routine to cosmetic. Call 770-389-0389 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Going to the dentist is not on most people’s list of fun things to do. But dental care is an important part of your overall health and wellness. Your oral health is a good indicator of your general health, which is why you need to see a dentist on a regular basis.
How often should you go to the dentist? Why is it necessary? Here are the top 3 reasons to see your dentist regularly.
1. Clean Teeth Are Healthy Teeth.
The purpose of regular dental cleanings is to remove plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) from the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film made of food residue and bacteria that clings to the teeth. When it is not removed, it can harden and become more difficult to remove. The bacteria in plaque can gradually eat away at your tooth enamel, causing cavities (pits or holes in the teeth).
Even if you brush and floss your teeth daily, plaque can still build up on the teeth over time. Dentists and dental hygienists use special tools to remove plaque and calculus from the teeth without harming the enamel.
2. Clean Teeth Promote Healthy Gums.
Another problem that can result from plaque and calculus build up on the teeth is gum disease. Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue that is caused by plaque and calculus. It can cause the gums to swell, bleed, and even pull away from the teeth.
Gum disease that goes untreated can damage the jaw bone over time and cause teeth to become loose and even fall out. It is much easier to treat gum disease in the early stages, which is why regular dental cleanings and oral exams are important. Once gum disease progresses it can be managed but not always cured.
3. Oral Health Affects Overall Health.
The most important reason to go to the dentist regularly is that oral health is closely tied to your overall health. Studies have shown a correlation between oral health and other health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and cancer.
Regular oral examinations include a screening for oral cancer. As with most types of cancer, early detection of oral cancer improves the outcome of treatment. Frequent visits to the dentist improve the chances of early detection.
How Often Should You Go To The Dentist?
The recommended schedule for preventive dental visits for the average patient is every 6 months. This allows for twice yearly teeth cleanings to remove built up plaque and oral examinations to look for any potential concerns. This schedule applies to patients of all ages from children to adults.
The exception to this general rule is for patients with specific dental health concerns. For example, gum disease treatment may require more frequent deep cleaning of the teeth, such as quarterly appointments. If there are restorative procedures needed to repair damage to the teeth, more frequent appointments may be necessary until the health of the teeth is restored.
At What Age Should Children Have Their First Dental Visit?
Children should see a dentist by their first birthday or within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth. As soon as teeth are visible above the gums they are susceptible to decay. Gum disease is also possible at a young age. The biggest benefit of early dental care is that the child gets used to the experience of going to the dentist from a young age and is less likely to be anxious or fearful. It also alerts parents to any potential oral health concerns and helps families make dental care a priority.
Are You Due For a Dental Visit?
If you or your family members have not seen the dentist in the past 6 months, it's time to make an appointment. Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge is a family dental practice serving patients of all ages. Bring the whole family together for routine dental care so that children can learn from their parents how to care for their teeth and mouth.
Call 770-389-0389 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.