Are You Brushing Wrong?

Brushing your teeth is one of the most widespread daily habits in America. But what if we're not doing it right? What if we could brush more effectively for better oral health?

Here are a few tips from the DDC team to help you brush better:

Your Toothbrush

Soft

Whether it's a powered toothbrush or a simple manual toothbrush, we recommend soft rounded bristles. Soft bristles are able to flex and bend into the places you need a toothbrush to reach.

Fresh

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your toothbrush or toothbrush head about every three months.

Your Approach

Gentle

More elbow grease does not mean cleaner teeth. Don't scrub. Take it easy and be gentle because plaque that is removable with brushing will be soft and loose.

Relaxed

One of the best ways to stop from brushing too hard is to relax your grip to hold your brush more loosely. Another way to reduce the pressure is to brush with your non-dominant hand.

Your Technique

Toothpaste

Begin with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush.

Strategy

Plan to brush each of the four quadrants of your mouth - upper right, lower right, upper left and lower left. The ADA recommends 2 minutes for brushing, so that would be 30 seconds for each quadrant.

Brushing

With a manual toothbrush, position your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and perform short back and forth strokes about the width of a tooth. Be gentle and thorough. If you have an electric toothbrush, it automatically provides an effective, gentle circular massage for your tooth surfaces.

Coverage

Make sure you brush the three surfaces of your teeth – outer surface, inner surface, chewing surface. Don't leave anyone out of the fun.

Tongue

Don't forget to brush your tongue. According to the ADA, brushing your tongue can remove up to 70 percent of bad breath.

Your Time

Rather than simply thinking of brushing as a necessary evil, embrace the time and make the most of it. Your daily brushing habit offers the perfect time to gather your thoughts as you start your day or remember to be grateful at the end of your day. Enjoy your refreshing two minutes every morning and evening.

If you or your family members (young and old) need a little help to become better brushers, please feel free to contact the DDC team.