Brush Your Teeth Better With These Tips

As a child, one of the first things you are taught to do on your own is how to brush your teeth, because we as a society know that dental hygiene is highly important to your overall health. That being said, there are always ways to step up your hygiene game. So, in today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist will share some tips for brushing your teeth better to increase the health of your smile.

 

Brush for a Full Two Minutes

Most people only brush their teeth for about 45 seconds morning and evening, which isn’t enough time to properly clean all of the plaque off of your teeth. For the maximum clean, the American Dental Association (ADA) and our team at Cleveland Family Dentistry recommend brushing for a full two minutes. This will allow you to scrub away all of the bits of food and the plaque on your teeth thoroughly, helping to decrease your need for any potential restorative care in the future.

Choose a Brush You Enjoy Using

Using a toothbrush shouldn’t be a chore- it should be something that you enjoy doing to better your health! So, it is important that you pick out a toothbrush that you enjoy using, be it electric or manual. This will help you to maintain your daily and nightly routines and keep your health on track.

Softer Bristles are Best

While it is important that you enjoy using your toothbrush, it is also important to choose a toothbrush that has the ADA seal of approval and soft bristles. It may seem like harsher bristles would clean your teeth better, but they can actually be too abrasive, wearing down your enamel and causing your gums to become sensitive from scraping against them. So, your safest bet is to use soft bristles, as they are still plenty strong enough to clean your teeth properly.

Fluoride is Your Ally

Fluoride is called “nature’s cavity fighter” because of its ability to strengthen your smile. This naturally-occurring mineral, found in plants, rocks, soil, water sources, and several other places, can actually make the enamel of your teeth stronger and, if your teeth are just beginning to decay, fluoride can rebuild your teeth, stopping cavities from forming and stopping you from needing dental fillings!

Schedule a Professional Cleaning Today!

Keeping up with your dental health at home is extremely important, but, if you want your smile to be of optimal health, you need to make sure you are attending your professional checkups and cleanings in our office at least twice a year. We can help to clean off the remaining plaque and tartar from your teeth and keep an eye out for any issues that could develop. If you’re due for a cleaning, call our Cleveland Family Dentistry office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234. We also serve the residents of Kingwood, Conroe, Livingston, and all surrounding communities.