Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Our dentists in Burnaby can provide guidance on proper brushing techniques and emphasize the importance of following them regularly at home.
Keeping your mouth clean is crucial for maintaining good oral health. You can do this by regularly visiting your dentist for cleanings and check-ups, as well as practicing good oral hygiene habits at home.
This includes brushing your teeth and flossing regularly. When you brush your teeth, it helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease by removing harmful bacteria and plaque.
Our dentists can show you the right way to brush your teeth for maximum effectiveness.
Proper Brushing Techniques
For effective tooth cleaning, it is important to brush every surface of each tooth in your mouth, which includes the top, cheek-side, and tongue side. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush in a sweeping motion.
When cleaning your upper teeth, brush downward, and for your lower teeth, brush upward. However, only use a back-and-forth motion when cleaning the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
How Often to Brush
It is recommended to brush your teeth after every meal, however, it's crucial to wait at least thirty minutes before doing so. In case you can't wait, it's advisable to brush your teeth at least two times a day, and always before going to bed.
How Long to Brush
Take your time when brushing your teeth. It's important to brush for at least two minutes but no more than four minutes. Timing yourself can help you make sure you're brushing thoroughly enough.
Using the Right Brush
When it comes to selecting a toothbrush, there are numerous options to choose from. To ensure that you are using the optimal brush for your teeth, it is advisable to seek advice from your dentist.
They can suggest a brush with soft bristles and a rounded texture that can effortlessly reach your back teeth.
What Happens if You Don't Brush?
If you don't brush your teeth regularly, our dentists located everywhere have some bad news for you. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is recommended because not doing so can have serious consequences. Here's a simple explanation of what could occur when you stop brushing your teeth.
- Stained teeth - This is especially true when drinking coffee, wine, or smoking cigarettes.
- Tooth decay - If you don't brush your teeth you get plaque that breaks down your tooth enamel. This will cause bad breath and eventually can cause major problems and require things like crowns and root canals.
- Gum disease - Also known as periodontal disease, occurs when plaque bacteria cause swollen and bleeding gums.
- Long-term health problems - Periodontal disease is a likely outcome of not brushing one's teeth, and periodontal disease has been associated with higher risks of kidney disease, dementia, and certain types of cancers.