Most people think as long as they are brushing their teeth twice a day for a minute or two that they are doing a sufficient job of cleaning their teeth.  As long as the surface of your teeth feels slick and clean, you think you’re covered.  That is not always the case.  In reality, it actually depends on how you are brushing your teeth.  Yes, there actually is a right way and a wrong way.

The Wrong Way to Brush Your Teeth

Many people use a quick back and forth motion to move horizontally across the teeth.  One problem with this method is that it’s abrasive to your teeth and will eventually wear away tooth enamel and create tiny grooves in your teeth. The loss of enamel will make your teeth more sensitive to hot or cold.

Another thing about this method is that you will be missing important spaces where one tooth meets the next.  By going horizontally, the toothbrush glides from one flat surface to the next but misses the curve of the teeth on the sides.  The bristles never actually make contact with the area in between your teeth so plaque remains which can lead to serious dental problems.

The Right Way to Brush Your Teeth

The correct way to brush your teeth is to take your toothbrush and softly work it in a circular motion over a small section of teeth. By doing one small section at a time, your brush will be able to make contact with the spaces in between teeth.  The toothbrush will remove more plaque and food particles than before.  Once you’ve finished one section, move on to the next. Overall, this process should take about two minutes, at least two times per day.

If you are teaching your children how to brush their teeth, it’s important to consistently remind them of the proper brushing technique, as getting into good habits from the very beginning will last them a lifetime.

It might seem odd at first to change the way you’ve been brushing your whole life, but after a while, it will just seem natural.  Try it for a few months and just see how your next dental exam goes.  If you ever have any questions or concerns about your teeth or oral health, please call us at our Buffalo, MN office, at (763) 682-9796

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