You’ve been doing it since you were five. You switch to auto pilot morning and night and get it done. But are you doing it correctly? Many people make mistakes brushing their teeth, so here are some tips from Mark A. Miely DDS in Upper Arlington.
Here are essential tooth brushing tips:
1. Take your time.
Proper teeth cleaning takes time and attention. The process should take at least two minutes. It can be useful to take a different route around your mouth every few days. By changing your routine, you approach areas from a different, and possibly, better angle.
2. Don’t forget to floss.
No matter how agile you are with your brush, it’s hard to get the plaque from all those narrow gaps between your teeth. That is where bacteria can easily propagate and start the decay process.
3. Use the right toothbrush.
It is ironic that some people hurt their enamel or gums because they brush too vigorously with a stiff brush. We advise patients to only use a soft brush. If you’ve had gum grafts, you may want to use an extra soft brush.
4. Don’t keep your tooth brush near the toilet.
This is awful to think about, but each time the toilet is flushed, bacteria is sent far into the air—even if you close the lid. Keep your toothbrush in a clean place and allow it to air dry.
5. Use fluoride toothpaste.
You may be surprised that some toothpastes don’t contain fluoride. And it isn’t just for children. Your enamel is continually under assault from acidic foods and drinks and fluoride helps it remineralize.
At Mark A. Miely DDS in Upper Arlington, we want all our patients to have good dental health. That means regular brushing and flossing, and regular checkups. We offer general and restorative dentistry. Call to schedule your next appointment today!
Contact Mark A. Miely DDS:
614-451-2100
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1840 Zollinger Rd
Upper Arlington, Ohio
43221