Are you brushing your teeth in the best way possible? The truth is, a consistent and thorough brushing routine is key to the good health of your teeth and gums.
That is why we need to be aware of how we brush our teeth and the consequences of not doing it well. Let’s talk about what a good brushing routine entails, why it’s vital to have one, and where you can go in St. Paul for world-class dental care.
What Is the Best Way to Brush My Teeth?
Here are the recommended guidelines on how you can properly follow an ideal brushing routine:
- Brush your teeth twice daily
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles
- Use a toothpaste with fluoride
- Brush your teeth for two minutes each time
- Brush gently, and start at the gums and brush away from the gums with every stroke
- Keep your oral care equipment clean
- Replace your toothbrush at least every six months
Why You Need a Good Brushing Routine
The following are just a few of the main reasons why you need to stick to a good brushing routine:
Remove Plaque and Prevent Tartar Buildup
Every time we eat, pieces of food and invisible remnants of our food and drink can get stuck on and in between our teeth. When this builds up in our mouth like this, it becomes a hotbed for bacteria.
Eventually, the bacteria leads to plaque, which is a sticky substance that can potentially damage your teeth. If plaque stays on your teeth for too long without being brushed off, it can harden and turn into tartar. Unlike plaque, tartar is impossible to remove with just brushing.
Brushing and flossing your teeth removes most of the plaque buildup in your mouth; the rest will be removed by your hygienist at your regular dental appointments. So to keep your teeth free from plaque, you should brush your teeth regularly and thoroughly.
Prevent Cavities
Dental plaque can cause a lot more damage to your teeth than just developing into tartar. Plaque produces acids that can wear away the protective outer covering of your teeth.
Essentially, the bacteria burrow deep into your teeth and create holes in the process, which are cavities. A cavity can eventually expose the nerves in your teeth and thereby lead to toothaches and even infection.
Prevent Gum Disease
Your teeth are not the only part of your mouth that is affected if you don’t brush them regularly. Gum disease can happen because of poor dental hygiene and an inconsistent brushing routine, and strong gums are necessary to support your teeth firmly in place in your mouth.
Brushing your teeth also includes brushing your gums. This “exercises” your gums and stimulates the blood vessels. This is best done by brushing your teeth with strokes that begin at the gums (not just at the edge of the gums where they visually meet the teeth, but all the way into the gums) and away from the gumline – i.e., downward brushstrokes for the upper teeth and upward brushstrokes for the bottom teeth.
Trusted Dentist in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
Following a good brushing routine can be hard at the beginning, but it will quickly become easy and natural. Having a good brushing routine is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, which also fosters good overall health.
In addition to brushing, also routinely have dental checkups and professional dental cleanings. This way, you will maintain, and even improve, your oral health.
Hagerman Dental Care is conveniently and centrally located in St. Paul. We offer everything from dental checkups and cleanings to cosmetic and reconstructive dental services for you and your family.
To schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Steven Hagerman, contact our friendly staff today. You may call us at (651) 646-2392 or fill out our online request form for an appointment. We look forward to being your trusted oral healthcare provider!