Elmhurst Family Dentist Reviews Proper At-Home Brushing Technique

The best way to prevent cavities and maintain the health of your teeth and mouth is to combine professional dental cleanings with diligent at-home dental care. Many of our patients ask our Elmhurst family dentists how they can optimize their dental health at home. We all know that you should be brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Here I’m going to review some helpful tips for brushing your teeth. Incorporating these tips into your daily routine can help you keep a sparkling, healthy smile!

How often should I brush?

In general patients should be brushing and flossing at least twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. Some patients may additionally brush after each meal to prevent plaque build-up between meals.

What type of brush should I use?

 

It’s important to pick a toothbrush that is small enough that it fits easily into your mouth and can move from the front to the back of your teeth. One of the most common mistakes patients make is that they choose a toothbrush that is too large for their mouth, and they are therefore unable to clean those hard to reach places in the mouth. Make sure that your bristles are not too firm or abrasive—these can cause unnecessary wear and tear on enamel and gums.

How should I brush?

When you begin brushing, hold the toothbrush at a 45° angle where the teeth meet the gum. Then firmly but gently brush your teeth in a small circular motion—making sure to thoroughly clean the front, top, and back of each tooth. In general you should spend at least 2 minutes cleaning your teeth each time you brush. And remember to brush on and around your tongue!

Incorporating thorough at-home cleanings with professional dental care is the best way to prevent cavities and keep healthy teeth for life. If you have any questions about at-home dental care or professional cleanings, give our Elmhurst family dentists a call at (630) 733-1624.