Whether online, in magazines, or in pamphlets at your local clinic, you’ve probably run across quite a number of different ways to take care of your teeth. Although it may be common knowledge that having great oral health is essential for looking great, feeling better, and being in good shape, there’s one thing that may surprise you: you probably aren’t cleaning your teeth as well as you could.
Let’s make one thing clear: teeth brushing is relatively intuitive. Although there are so many different ways to take care of your teeth, no one really knows how to keep your pearly whites clean as a dentist would. Fortunately, we’re here to present you with a set of dental cleaning tips titled “What Would Your Dentist Do?” in the hopes that they’ll help you master the art of brushing.
How to Clean Your Teeth the Way That Dentists Do
Curious as to how the professionals take care of their pearly whites? Here are their secrets for impeccable dental health care:
W.W.Y.D.D TIP #1: Brush your teeth regularly
This is a pretty basic tip, but you would be surprised to know how many people actually fail to follow a regular brushing routine. The reason this tip is at the start of this list is that there’s nothing more important for getting a great set of teeth than the frequency of your toothbrushing. Professional dentists brush twice a day to clear their mouths of bacteria buildup. It would do you good to do the same.
W.W.Y.D.D TIP #2: Get the right toothbrush
A common saying in the dental world is that “there’s no such thing as a toothbrush that isn’t for you”, because after all— isn’t that why there are a ton of options out there to choose from? The common consensus is that soft-bristled brushes are the best ones to go for, simply because they provide a superior clean without being abrasive on the gums and teeth. Unless your dentist says otherwise, skip the medium and firm brushes and stick to soft bristles. These brushes will help you remove plaque, keep your gums stimulated, and avoid the possibility of brushing your enamel away.
W.W.Y.D.D TIP #3: Get a bottle of protective toothpaste
Unbeknownst to most people, the type of toothpaste you choose actually makes a huge difference in your oral health—which is exactly why dentists are so particular with their own. When shopping around for a protective toothpaste, choose an option that contains fluoride as well as a natural and mild whitening agent.
W.W.Y.D.D TIP #4: Brush from every angle
This is a tip that your dentist wishes you would follow so that you don’t have as much plaque buildup once your biannual checkup comes around. Getting the right toothpaste and toothbrush and using them regularly is just half the battle. The way you brush makes up the rest of the challenge for complete oral health. When brushing your teeth, make sure to reach each and every angle of your mouth for a thorough clean. Don’t forget about the backs of all your teeth and their nooks and crannies. Keep in mind that dentists brush in circular motions so that they remove all the plaque and debris off their teeth without rubbing off any important enamel.
W.W.Y.D.D TIP #5: Don’t forget to floss regularly
If you don’t get scolded for not flossing every time you visit your dentist, do you even get biannual checkups? Although flossing can certainly seem annoying and unnecessary, dentists recognize it as one of the crucial aspects of a dental routine. Plaque and debris can get stuck in places that bristles can’t reach. Floss will help you get the little pieces out.
One more important flossing tip is that you should do it before you brush your teeth. That way, you don’t risk spreading germs all over your newly cleaned teeth while making sure that all the plaque and debris come off when you gargle.
Nobody knows how to brush better than a dentist. During your next visit, ask your dentist to describe his or her dental routine to you. Perhaps it will give you some insight that you can apply to your own brushing practices. Until then, remember our five tips!
If you’re looking for a local dentist to help you with dental hygiene, get in touch with us today for a free consultation!