Many dental patients already know that they should be brushing their teeth twice a day (as recommended by the American Dental Association). However, fewer people are confident that they are brushing their smiles in the best way, with the best tools. That is where our Orland Park dentists can come in to help! This article will give you some simple tips on how you can optimize your daily dental routine.
Stick to the Schedule
It is imperative that you brush as recommended by your dentist every day—no skipping! Remember, plaque never takes a holiday.
Choose the Right Tool
With so many different brushes on the market, it can be hard to know what type of toothbrush is right for you. Look for a brush that is small enough to reach your back molars. You also want to pay attention to the bristle strength you are using; bristles that are too firm can gum and enamel damage over time.
Set a Timer
Did you know that the ADA recommends that patients brush for a full two minutes both morning and night? Few of us are meeting this goal, which is why we encourage patients to set a timer so that they can stay on track.
Improve Technique
In order to clear away as much plaque as possible, we advise you to use small circular “buffing” motions as you move from tooth to tooth. Buffing is a great way to remove bacteria from the flat surfaces of your teeth. When it comes to cleaning your molars, which often have deep grooves, you can move your brush back and forth in a scrubbing or flicking motion.
As you can see, there are a number of quick, simple changes that you can make in order to improve the efficacy of your oral hygiene routine. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Tinley Park dentists if you want more information, or if you don’t know how to get started. We are here to help you!