Today is National Brush Day. It may not be as big of a deal to you as it is to us. We are dentists, after all, and can’t talk enough about oral hygiene. However, we think it’s a great time to give you some tips for tooth brushing success. You may think you already know all you need to about brushing your teeth, but in our experience, almost everyone can benefit from new knowledge.

Check out our tips and see if there are some new ones to incorporate into your oral hygiene routine. We are happy to talk to about brushing whenever your visit our Plainfield office, for your regular exam or anything else. 

  • Don’t Rush When Brushing – Many people are in a hurry when brushing their teeth. To get the best results, though, you need to brush for two full minutes. Some toothbrushes have a timer feature, or you can use the timer on your phone. We like the idea of making your brushing session more entertaining. Create a playlist of two-minute songs you like and brush to those. 
  • Treat Your Teeth With Care – Tooth enamel is extremely hard. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get damaged. Two common brushing mistakes that can damage enamel are using a hard-bristled brush and scrubbing too hard. Make sure you use a gentle touch, and always select soft bristles for your brush. An electric toothbrush can help you apply more even pressure.
  • Cover All Surfaces – Often people spend most of their time on the front surfaces and chewing areas of teeth. Make sure you also brush the backs of your teeth, facing your tongue. Go ahead and brush your tongue too (or use a scraper) since bacteria tends to build up there. The gumline, where gums meet teeth, is another area you need to brush. Bacteria buildup there can cause gum disease. 
  • Take Good Care of Your Toothbrush – Rinse your brush well after using, and store it upright where air can easily circulate around it. This helps keep it dry and free of bacteria. Replace your brush every three or four months, or sooner if the brushes look obviously worn or misshapen. 
  • Skip the Rinse – Your teeth will be better protected against cavities if you don’t rinse your mouth with water after brushing and just spit instead. This is especially effective when you brush before bed. Your mouth produces less saliva overnight, so your teeth are more susceptible to decay.

Call Rod Eccles, DDS today at 317-682-0884 to schedule your next visit or schedule conveniently online.