You may not be as excited about National Brush Day as we are. That’s OK, but we think it’s a great opportunity to revisit the importance of good oral hygiene. Using tooth brushing best practices is the easiest way to keep your smile looking and feeling great. 

We’re happy to discuss brushing and other aspects of oral hygiene with you at your exams. Also, remember to schedule regular cleanings. No matter how good your brushing technique is, you’ll probably miss some bacteria in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. A cleaning every six months will remove it and help keep cavities and gum disease at bay. To schedule a checkup, call us at 301-261-3800. 

In the meantime, check out our list of tooth brushing best practices and incorporate them into your oral hygiene routine:

  • Use a Gentle Touch – Applying more pressure often works great when scrubbing the tub or performing another household cleaning task. But it’s a no-no when brushing your teeth. Overly aggressive brushing can actually harm your enamel.
  • Be Careful of Bad Bristles – Similarly, avoid toothbrushes with hard bristles. Over time they can cause enamel to wear away. This creates many problems, like making you more prone to cavities. It can even give your teeth a yellowish appearance that can’t be eliminated with whitening treatments. In addition to soft bristles, select a brush with a head that fits easily into your mouth.
  • Pay Attention to Hidden Areas – It’s easy to miss spots when brushing. Make sure you include the gumline, the area where your teeth meet your gums. Bacteria collects there and can cause gum disease if it’s not removed. Brush the back sides of your teeth as well as the front. And brush your tongue too, as bacteria accumulates there.
  • Brush for Two Full Minutes – Many people are in a hurry when brushing teeth. But for the best results, slow down. Brush two full minutes. You can set a timer on your phone if your toothbrush doesn’t have one. Or find some two-minute songs you like and play those for a more entertaining brush session.
  • Regularly Replace Your Toothbrush – To ensure your brush is doing a good job, you should replace it every three or four months. Some brushes have an indicator to help you remember. Or you can just set a reminder on your phone. You may need to replace it sooner if you’ve been sick or if the bristles look very worn.

Call Owens Dental of Crofton in Crofton, MD at 301-261-3800 or schedule online.