15 Apr Take Care of Your Teeth With These Brushing Tips
Regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings are an important part of maintaining good dental health. In addition to these dental visits, it’s essential to take good care of your teeth at home with an effective flossing and brushing routine. Keep reading for a few helpful tips you can use to prevent dental disease from affecting the look and health of your smile.
Avoid Brushing After Acidic Foods
Brushing too soon after consuming acidic foods or drinks can promote enamel erosion that weakens the natural defenses of your teeth. After an acidic meal or snack, wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth; alternatively, opt to brush your teeth before consuming acidic meals and rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating.
Brush for a Full Two Minutes
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day to ensure you remove all food debris and plaque from the teeth, gums, and tongue. However, it can be difficult to ensure you are truly brushing for a full two minutes without a little help. Set a timer on your phone or choose a piece of music to play that is two minutes long to make sure you’re cleaning your teeth thoroughly.
Don’t Scrub Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth shouldn’t require as much work as scouring your kitchen floor—rather than using as much force as possible, try to keep your grip light to avoid placing excess pressure on the teeth and gums. Pressing down too forcefully with your toothbrush can erode tooth enamel and cause your gums to recede; as you brush, monitor your grip continuously and adjust it to ensure the pressure on your teeth stays light. A soft-bristled toothbrush is also helpful in avoiding scrubbing the teeth too hard.
If you’d like more dental health tips and information, please call the office of John Carson, DDS at (520) 514-7203 to schedule your next dental exam in Tucson. We can help you develop a personalized oral health plan that will address your unique needs and concerns to maintain the smile you want.