​Brushing Tune up!

Brushing your teeth regularly is major key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing periodontal (gum) diseases, but it's also important to make sure you choose the right toothbrush for your teeth and use proper brushing techniques. It takes time to brush effectively; most people just rush through it. One suggestion is to set a timer for two minutes and brushing until the time runs out.

How to Choose a Toothbrush

Although some ancient civilizations used frayed twigs to clean their teeth, these days toothbrushes come in a variety of manual and powered forms. And the first step to taking good care of your mouth is to choose a toothbrush that's right for you.

Find a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your hand and mouth. If the brush is comfortable to use, you'll use it more often and more effectively.

Here are some other tips to keep in mind when choosing a toothbrush. You'll want to pick one that:

• Has bristles that are softer rather than harder
• Fits your mouth size. If you have a small mouth, choose a small toothbrush head and if you have a large mouth, pick a large toothbrush head.
• Is easy to use, whether it’s a powered toothbrush or manual.

Once you've found an appropriate toothbrush for you, you need to brush your teeth the correct way in order to maintain good oral health and keep periodontal disease at bay.

How to Brush Your Teeth Effectively

The following tips can help you to get the most out of your daily brushing routine:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Some experts recommend brushing after every meal, if possible.
• Take time — at least two minutes — to thoroughly brush your teeth.
• When you brush along your gumline, angle your toothbrush slightly toward your gums.
• Don't brush too roughly — use a gentle motion so you don’t damage your gums.
• Focus on cleaning every tooth surface with your toothbrush.
• Brush your tongue to scrape off bacteria that can cause bad breath. This can also be done with the aid of a tongue scraper.
• Brush your teeth with a clean toothbrush and rinse the brush thoroughly after each use. You can also use a small amount of hand soap on the bristles for more rigorous cleaning.
• Replace your toothbrush — or toothbrush head if you use an electric brush — every three to four months.

If you need additional help figuring out how best to brush your teeth, have your dentist/hygienist show you the proper method.

A toothbrush alone can’t do everything to maintain your oral health and your teeth. That’s because a toothbrush can’t get between your teeth. Only dental floss can do that, so remember to floss each day too, and see your dentist for regular checkups.

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