When you were a kid, someone no doubt taught you how to brush your teeth. All the mechanics of holding your toothbrush, how much toothpaste to use, and how to rinse your mouth felt new and challenging then.
Over time, brushing your teeth became second nature. Like anything, from driving to signing your name, the newness wore off eventually, and you barely had to think about it. Of course, it’s great that you developed a habit. But chances are, your technique could use a little refresher after all these years.
If it’s time to brush up on your routine, check out these three Norge Dental Center dentist-approved tips for better brushing.
Most dentists agree that tilting your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gumline creates the best results. Holding your brush in this position, use small circular or short back-and-forth motions along every surface of your teeth. Don’t skip the hard-to-reach spots, like the back of your front teeth.
Once you’ve covered each tooth at an angle, brush them all one last time—this time, brushing straight away from the gums. This extra step will remove any lingering debris from between your teeth. Finally, brush your tongue to sweep away bacteria and promote fresh breath. While you're at it, make sure you're using a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride toothpaste — both help protect your enamel without being overly abrasive
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. While two minutes might feel like a long time (especially for children), you need that full time to clean your teeth well. Longer time is not necessarily better, but a little more is better than a little less.
If you’re not sure how much time you spend brushing your teeth, try timing yourself. Are you cutting your brushing routine short? Keep an eye on the clock for a few days until you get the feel for two minutes again. For kids, try using something more interactive, like a two-minute hourglass from a board game or a fun song.
Check out more tips from Norge Dental Center for creating good dental routines with your kids.
To do any job well, you need the right tools. Brushing your teeth is no different. Over time, your toothbrush will become frayed and damaged, making it less effective. It can also begin to harbor bacteria.
Replace your toothbrush—or toothbrush head if you use an electric brush—every three to four months or more often when you’re sick. If you have trouble remembering to swap out your toothbrush for a fresh one, try setting up a subscription plan or setting a calendar reminder so you never forget.
Both manual and electric toothbrushes can clean your teeth effectively when used correctly — electric brushes can make it easier to maintain consistent pressure and timing, but the technique matters more than the tool.
Of course, a good toothbrushing technique is not the only step in a great oral hygiene routine. Don’t forget to floss once a day and schedule regular hygiene appointments. Also, follow any additional recommendations from your dentist, such as deep cleanings or special mouth rinses.
Have questions about your teeth? At Norge Dental Center, our dentists and hygienists bring years of experience to every visit, and we love helping patients achieve their happiest, healthiest smiles. Schedule your appointment online or give us a call today.
We hear some version of this pretty regularly at Norge Dental Center. A patient gets settled in the chair and, before we’ve even had a chance to take a look, says, “I’m sorry, I know my teeth are a mess,” or, “Please don’t judge me, I haven’t been to the dentist in years.”Sometimes they laugh when they say it, but we can usually tell they’re genuinely embarrassed. They may have put off making the appointment because of it, and by the time they finally come in, they’ve already imagined all the things we might say about their teeth.Here’s what we wish those patients knew before they ever walked through our doors: you don’t need to apologize to us.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe it’s already back to school time! Backpacks are packed, lunches are being made, and families are getting back into their school year routines.We know how busy this time of year can be. Between school, homework, sports, activities, and everything else on the calendar, dental care may not always be at the top of the list.At Norge Dental Center, we want to help make keeping your family’s smiles healthy a little easier. Here are a few simple dental tips to keep in mind as everyone heads back to school.
Read MoreBrush and floss regularly but still getting cavities? Learn about dry mouth, snacking, acidic drinks, genetics, grinding, and other hidden cavity risks.
Read MoreWhether you’re new to the Williamsburg area, or new to the Norge Dental family… we welcome you to a new dental experience. We are so thankful you are here.
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