Most people brush their teeth twice or thrice a day. However, not all of them employ the techniques for brushing teeth properly. Why is it important to know how to brush teeth properly? First, use of proper brushing techniques allows you to clean everything without missing the important spots like gum lines. Second, you'll be able to avoid injuries to your gums and teeth which could lead to an untimely visit to your dentist.



So how do you properly brush your teeth? First thing to remember is that proper brushing involves at least two full minutes. If you think about it, 120 seconds doesn't seem to be long, but a lot of adults don't really reach that amount of time for brushing. Another thing to remember is that the toothpaste you use will have a great effect on your teeth's health. There are different types of toothpaste designed for specific purposes. There are toothpastes that are designed for whitening teeth, removing cavities, treating gingivitis, and some are for designed for sensitive teeth.

The type of toothbrush also matters. A toothbrush with a small head is better for reaching all areas of the mouth including the hard-to-reach back teeth. Soft bristles are also better for removing plaque and other materials from the teeth. Nowadays, a lot of different toothbrushes are available. Some are designed for removing plaque from the tongue and gums, while others are designed for reaching hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. The most remarkable invention for the toothbrush would be the electric toothbrush. There are those that moved up and down when activated while there are also those that have round-shaped heads and had a rotary action for cleaning. Provo family dentists have toothbrushes that are designed for different cleaning purposes.

Now, the first step in brushing your teeth is to place the bristles of the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and make sure it touches the gum lines. Start by brushing the outer surface of the upper teeth. Make a rolling or sweeping motion by moving the toothbrush up and down or moving it back and forth. Remember not to brush too hard or it may injure your gums and cause it to recede. After the upper teeth, do the same for the outer surface of the lower teeth. After doing so, brush the inner surface of the upper teeth by moving the toothbrush back-and-forth then do the same thing for the lower teeth. Clean the chewing surfaces by brushing back and forth. Lastly, brush your tongue to remove bad breath. Why the tongue? The tongue is also a part of the mouth used for eating so it is also necessary to be cleaned. Most people overlook the importance of brushing the tongue but it was found that doing so is one of the most beneficial treatments for bad breath. Though the tongue should accumulate bacteria over time, it is the part close to the mouth that needs to be cleaned regularly. If you're having trouble with brushing your teeth and tongue, your family dentist in Provo should be able to give you additional advice.

When should I replace my toothbrush? As a general rule, you should replace your toothbrush when you see the bristles getting misaligned or spreading out. Some people replace their toothbrush after a few months. If you happen to get sick from a contagious disease, replacing your toothbrush is a good idea to prevent contracting it again. Of course, never share your toothbrush with other people as it is personal and could also cause transfer of any infectious sickness between you.