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<\/a>Most people like to do it as soon as they wake up. Others wait until after breakfast. Almost everyone does it before bed. Unfortunately, a lot of people forget to do it at all.<\/p>\n<\/a>Most people like to do it as soon as they wake up. Others wait until after breakfast. Almost everyone does it before bed. Unfortunately, a lot of people forget to do it at all.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m talking about toothbrushing — the number one defense (with flossing) we have against gum disease. Did you know that as many as three in 10 Americans aren\u2019t brushing their teeth as well as they should? That number could be a lot worse, but when you consider that good oral hygiene habits prevent gum disease — a condition that has serious implications on overall health — it\u2019s clear that we need to give our toothbrush a little more attention.<\/p>\n
This month, listen to your trusted dentist in Hickory Flats for a brush-up on good brushing techniques.
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It\u2019s not rocket science, but good toothbrushing does take some special maneuvering. Remember these tips tonight, tomorrow and every day and you\u2019ll be on your way to a cleaner, brighter smile for life.<\/p>\n
It doesn\u2019t matter how good your technique is if you\u2019re using old tools. Make sure your toothbrush is able to give you optimal results — replace it every two to three months, when it begins to show wear or after an illness. There\u2019s no point in trying to save a few dollars by hanging on to the same old brush, considering tooth decay and gum disease cost you far more in the long run.<\/p>\n
Most adults make one simple mistake when it comes to brushing their teeth — they either don\u2019t do it long enough, or they skip it altogether.\u00a0 Excellent oral hygiene requires twice-a-day brushing for two minutes at a time. It may feel like a lot, but it\u2019s worth it — it\u2019s the only chance you have to remove bacteria, after all. If you struggle with bad breath or excess plaque buildup you may benefit from brushing throughout the day, too. And if you have trouble brushing for two minutes at a time, try setting a timer to help you get a feel for it.<\/p>\n
Brushing certainly isn\u2019t the most exciting part of anyone\u2019s day, and so we get lazy as a result. But watch it — those careless habits cause bacteria to build up over time, causing decay and other problems. Make sure you\u2019re brushing effectively by using soft, circle strokes, and brush at a 45 degree angle. Brush each quadrant for 30 seconds each, and don\u2019t forget to go over your tongue, too.<\/p>\n