Brushing Your Teeth: What do you need to know?

Having good oral health has become a necessity rather than a choice. Brushing your teeth is the foremost step towards achieving the goal of good oral health. Most dentists recommend brushing the teeth at least two times a day for having whiter teeth and a healthy smile. However, if you want effective protection from cavities and gum disease, it is important that the brushing you do is proper. There are a few tips to take note of while brushing your teeth.

Duration of Brushing
You can brush your teeth twice a day but not three times a day. It is because brushing a lot of times in a day can damage your teeth’ tooth enamel and gums. For some, brushing will be completed within a minute. However, for the brush to reach all areas of your teeth, at least two minutes of brushing is desirable. Therefore, you should divide the brushing areas into four and spend at least 30 seconds brushing in each area.

Select the Right Toothbrush
The toothbrush you use should fit the size of your mouth. It should properly fit in the mouth, and the brush should be able to cover all areas of your mouth. Similarly, the bristles of your toothbrush also matter a lot. Soft bristles are recommended. But it should also be strong enough to remove the food debris and plaque present in your teeth. You should not use a brush with hard bristles as it could damage the tooth enamel or gums. You should also avoid using the toothbrush for longer. It is recommended to change the toothbrush once in six months or when you notice that the bristles are frayed. 

Brushing Process
It would help if you started brushing your teeth gently. You should give only light pressure to the toothbrush. Move your brush back and forth. The brushing should cover all areas of the teeth, including the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. Brush the inside surfaces of the front teeth also. It would help if you also brushed your tongue since it is as important as teeth in removing plaque and other debris from the tongue. There are also electric toothbrushes available in the market. 

Toothpaste
Only a small amount of toothpaste is enough while brushing. But, on the other hand, too much toothpaste will lead to too much fluoride.

Regular Flossing
There are some spaces between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. In those areas, you should do flossing. It also helps in keeping the teeth and gums healthy. It helps in the removal of food debris accumulated between the gum line. 
You should avoid eating unhealthy food since it could result in the accumulation of cavity-causing bacteria. Avoid cakes, sugary candies, snacks, etc. Instead, eat more vegetables, fruits, etc. If you think you have a toothache or gum disease, choose a dental consultation with one of the best dentists in Katy, TX.