Brushing your teeth is something we all do, but only some think about it the same way. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, for two minutes. They also recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush with bristles that are less abrasive than hard ones. Try an electric toothbrush instead if you can’t find one at your local drugstore or supermarket. Electric toothbrushes are easier on the gums and help get rid of plaque more effectively than manual brushes.
According to the ADA, you should brush your teeth twice a day
To keep your teeth healthy, the ADA recommends brushing your teeth at least twice daily (once in the morning and once at night) with a soft-bristled toothbrush. To prevent gum disease and cavities, you should change your toothbrush every three months. It’s also important to brush for two minutes in order to properly clean all areas of your mouth.
The ADA recommends using an electric or battery-powered toothbrush if you have difficulty performing proper manual brushing techniques or have limited dexterity due to disability or injury.
The ADA recommends brushing for two minutes
According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth for two minutes. That may sound like a lot, but it’s not as bad as it sounds. To help you get in the habit of brushing your teeth full time, an old trick is to set a timer or watch on your sink (or even use your phone) to remind yourself when time is up.
You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush
While there are many different sizes and shapes of toothbrushes, I recommend using a soft-bristled one. This kind is gentler on your gums and more effective at removing plaque than its harder counterparts. It also helps prevent gum recession, which can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Bacteria hide in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth
You can’t see your tongue, but it’s full of bacteria. That’s because your tongue is home to billions of bacteria that live in colonies called biofilms. These colonies often contain a mixture of good and bad bacteria.
The roof of your mouth also harbors microorganisms that can cause cavities, gum disease, and other issues if not washed away during brushing.
Floss once a day with an 18-inch piece of floss
Flossing is another vital tooth-cleaning practice. You should floss once a day, preferably at night before bedtime. Your dentist will recommend which type of floss to use, but the important thing is that you do it regularly and effectively. Be sure to remove any food particles from between your teeth when you floss; if there are any stuck in hard-to-reach places, try using dental picks or interdental cleaners (also known as oral irrigation systems).
Flossing can help prevent cavities and gum disease by removing plaque and other harmful substances from between your teeth. It’s also important because some research suggests that people who don’t have regular dental checkups are more likely to develop gum disease than those who go for regular cleanings.
Change your toothbrush about every three months
The average person uses a toothbrush for about three months, but changing your toothbrush after that time is important to get the best clean possible. The bristles on your brush are designed to fray at the ends to clean between teeth and the gum line. Once they become frayed, it is time for a replacement. Consider buying several brushes and keeping them in various locations so that you always have one nearby when needed—you don’t want to run out if there’s an emergency!
Consider using an electric toothbrush instead of a manual one
Electric toothbrushes can be more effective than manual ones. They’re also more expensive, but if you use them for the rest of your life (not a bad idea), it may not make sense in the long run to buy an expensive manual toothbrush. If your disability makes it difficult to brush properly, an electric toothbrush can help with that; likewise, braces will be much easier on a person with an electric toothbrush than a manual one.
Conclusion
Brushing your teeth is one of the most important things you can do for oral health. It’s also one of the easiest to do wrong. Follow these tips to avoid doing more harm than good! Make sure that brushing and flossing are part of your daily routine to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.