You’ve been brushing your teeth every day since you were a kid, so you know it’s important. It must be, if you have to brush twice a day and see the dentist every six months for a checkup! But even if you’ve been brushing for decades, you may be able to improve your technique – and your oral health! See a few of our top teeth cleaning tricks for a healthier mouth and a better oral care routine below.
How To Brush Your Teeth Correctly
Wondering how to properly brush your teeth? Follow these simple teeth cleaning steps for a healthier mouth.
- Rinse out your mouth – Rinsing with water or mouthwash helps remove debris and food particles, which can help you brush more efficiently.
- Floss first – You need to floss once per day. Flossing removes food and plaque from areas your toothbrush just can’t reach. You should floss before your brush to loosen food particles and improve the effectiveness of your brushing routine.
- Get the right toothbrush – Make sure to switch to a new toothbrush every 3-4 months. You can use an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush. Choose bristles with soft to medium stiffness. Toothbrushes with bristles that are too stiff can irritate your gums and damage your enamel!
- Brush often – You need to brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. For even better oral health, brush once after breakfast, once after lunch, and a final time after your last meal at night!
- Use proper brushing technique – Brush for at least 2 minutes, cleaning one quadrant of your mouth every 30 seconds. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to clean your teeth and gums more effectively, and use short, tooth-wide strokes to clean each individual tooth for the best results.
Maintaining A Healthy Diet for A Healthy Mouth
You may know how to brush your teeth correctly, but your diet is also important for a healthy mouth. Do your best to limit your consumption of coffee, soda, and alcohol. The sugar, harsh dyes, and chemicals in these beverages can negatively affect your teeth. Water should always be your beverage of choice, and milk can help strengthen your teeth, too.
When it comes to what you eat, avoid starchy and sugary snacks. Eat minimally-processed food like fruits and vegetables, which help “scrub” your teeth,” as well as lean meats, healthy dairy, and whole grains. As a rule of thumb, food that’s healthy for your body will likely also be healthy for your teeth!
At-Home Care Isn’t Enough – Schedule A Dental Cleaning At Ascent Dental!
With a dental cleaning at Ascent Dental, our team can eliminate surface stains, check for signs of tooth decay and gum disease, and buff and polish your teeth to keep your smile healthy. We use the latest technology to deliver excellent patient care in Cherry Creek, Denver, and we’re always accepting new patients, so contact us now to schedule your next six-month oral exam and teeth cleaning.
