10 Tips for Brushing your Teeth

Although it may seem silly to think there is a proper way to brush your teeth. Not brushing them correctly and thoroughly can lead to poor oral health and cause many problems over time. Our dentists at Tempe Dental Care are giving 10 useful tips to ensure you are brushing your teeth thoroughly. 

1. Brush for the Right Amount of Time

• Brush for AT LEAST 2 minutes twice daily. Divide your time evenly among all sections of your teeth to ensure you aren’t missing any. 

2. Use a Fluoride Toothpaste

• Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps protect against decay. Although we provide more intense fluoride treatments for you during your cleaning, you should be using fluoride toothpaste daily to help continue preventing cavities and decay. 

3. Use the Correct Technique

• Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Use gentle, circular motions or short strokes rather than scrubbing back and forth, which can actually damage enamel and gums.

4. Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

• Replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3–4 months, or sooner if bristles are frayed.

5. Don’t Brush Too Hard

• Although it may seem contradictory, gentle brushing is actually more effective and safer for gums and enamel.  Over Brushing or scrubbing too hard can lead to receding gums and enamel erosion. 

6. Choose the Right Brush

• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging teeth and gums. You can also use an electric toothbrush which can give a more consistent clean. Hard bristles may feel like they are cleaning the plaque better but it actually can be doing more damage than good when it comes to cleaning your teeth. 

7. Brush Your Tongue

• Bacteria can accumulate on your tongue as well, leading to bad breath and plaque. Gently brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper daily for a more thorough clean. 

8. Wait After Eating

• Wait 30 minutes after eating, especially if you consumed acidic foods or drinks. Brushing immediately after eating can erode softened enamel.

9. Don’t Forget Hard-to-Reach Areas

• Pay extra attention to the molars and the backs of your teeth, as they are common areas for plaque buildup can often be missed. 

10. Rinse Your Toothbrush After Use

• Make sure you rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after every use to avoid bacteria growth. Store your toothbrush up right if you can in a cool dry area. 

We hope you follow our tips for a healthy and bright smile! Contact our dentists at Tempe Dental Care to schedule your next cleaning!