Ideally, you should brush after every meal, because the bacterial attack on teeth begins minutes after eating. At the very least, brush once a day and always before you go to bed. Brushing your teeth isn't complicated, but there is a right and a wrong way. We do it every day without thinking too much, but there are some important points to remember when brushing your teeth.
Here are a few tips to help your brush better:
1. Squeeze some toothpaste onto a soft-bristled toothbrush. Your toothpaste should contain fluoride
2. Use short, back-and-forth brushing motions to clean the outside and inside surfaces of the teeth, as well as the chewing surfaces. Follow with up-and-down motions to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth.
3. Clean every surface of every tooth.The chewing surface, the cheek side, and the tongue side.
4. Don't rush your brush. A thorough brushing should take at least two to three minutes. Try timing yourself.
5. Brush along the gum line. This is extremely important, as gum disease starts here. Brush gently to avoid damaging your gums.
6. Make sure to brush your back molars, where bacteria like to hide.
7. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria that cause bad breath.
8. Spit out the toothpaste and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
9. Use a soft brush with rounded bristles. The right toothbrush cleans better. Choose a size and shape that allow you to reach all the way to your back teeth. There are many different types of brushes, so ask your dentist to suggest the best one for you. It is recommended you replace your toothbrush every three months.
10. Try to floss at least once a day, since most adult cavities occur between teeth. The most important time to floss is before going to bed. Floss before or after you brush'either is fine. Guide the floss between the teeth and use it to gently rub the side of each tooth.
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