The better your at-home oral hygiene routine is, the more likely you are to enjoy a strong, healthy, and attractive smile for years to come. Today, our Troy dentists have compiled this list of important factors that can help you optimize your brushing routine.
Start by making sure you have the right tool for the job:
- Age: there is a good chance that the toothbrush you are using is too old to get the job done right. Ideally, you would replace your toothbrush every three to four months, and after recovering from an illness.
- Bristle Strength: a soft-bristled brush is the right choice for many dental patients. This type of bristle is not too abrasive, so it decreases your chance of developing dental erosion and gum tissue recession. If you feel like a soft toothbrush isn’t right for you, your dental team can help you decide.
- Size: when it comes to size, you primarily want to consider the size of the head of the toothbrush—the part with the bristles. If this part of the brush does not fit easily into the back corners of your mouth, then you will struggle to keep your molars and surrounding gum tissue clean.
Then next step is to perfect your technique:
- Use a “buffing” motion: move your toothbrush in small circles around your teeth, gums, and oral tissues.
- Apply gentle pressure: brush lightly, because applying too much pressure may put your smile at risk for premature aging.
- Keep track of the time: both pediatric and adult patients should clean their smiles for about two minutes every time they brush. You may be surprised at just how long two minutes can feel! Try setting a timer or listening a song to keep track of the time.
If you have any additional questions about optimizing your at-home oral hygiene routine, our Troy dentists are here to provide you with all of the information you need. We look forward to speaking with you!