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How many times have you brushed your teeth? If you’ve done it twice a day every day, then that’s a lot of times! And because brushing your teeth plays a crucial part in your oral health as well as the health of the rest of your body, you want to get the most out of it.
Beautiful smiles start with the professionals at Brent C. Maxson, DMD, PA. We provide comprehensive treatment options for your dental needs and those of your whole family. We possess the skills and experience to give all of you your best smiles.
Here’s how to make each cleaning a thorough cleaning.
Use the proper technique. Tilt the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and start at the gum line. Brush each tooth’s surface: the outside, the inside and the top.
Establish a pattern so you don’t miss an area. For example, begin with the outer surfaces of your top teeth, then do the outer surfaces of your bottom teeth. Then move on to the inner surfaces of your top teeth and the inner surfaces of your bottom teeth. Finish it off by attending to every top surface.
Don’t rush it. Have each session last for at least two minutes.
Pick the brush that’s best for you. If you can’t decide on bristle firmness, the head size, or between a manual or powered brush, talk about it with your dentist.
Use the best toothpaste. That means any brand that has the American Dental Association seal on its packaging. The ADA’s approval means that the toothpaste is safe and effective, and it will fight plaque and tooth decay.
Floss the right way. Every time you do it, use about 18 inches. Wind the strand tightly around your middle fingers, leaving 2 inches to work with. Gently slide the floss between your teeth and under their gum lines, using a clean section as you progress from tooth to tooth.
Keep your brush in good shape. That means keeping it clean by rinsing it off and letting it air dry. Use a new toothbrush every three to four months, when bristles start to fray and become less effective. It’s also important to toss your toothbrush after you recover from an illness.
Put your tongue in the mix. Use a tongue scraper to put the kibosh on bacteria and food particles that like to hang out in its nooks and crannies. Some toothbrushes come with scrapers on their backs.
At the office of Brent C. Maxson, DMD, PA, our highly skilled, knowledgeable professionals are at the forefront of new technologies to make your dental treatment efficient and effective. For more information about our office and our many services, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment today.
By Brent C. Maxson, DMD, PA
July 1, 2022
