• 28 OCT 21
    • 0
    Toothbrushing Do’s and Don’ts

    Toothbrushing Do’s and Don’ts

    Toothbrushing seems to be a simple task, but even though you’ve been brushing your teeth for years, you might be surprised to find that there are some do’s and don’ts for proper toothbrushing. Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS takes special care with her young patients to get an early start in proper toothbrushing methods and oral care.

    The American Dental Association (ADA) offers the following tips for proper toothbrushing. Good toothbrushing habits will help you avoid oral health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath or other oral diseases.

     

    Start With the Right Toothbrush

    • There are many toothbrushes to choose from. Whatever you decide on, make sure to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance so that it meets the proper requirements. 
    • Most dentists recommend using a soft bristled toothbrush to protect the gums and tooth enamel. 
    • It’s important to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. If it looks frayed, it’s time to replace it.

     

    Clean Your Toothbrush

    • You may want to sanitize your toothbrush periodically because they can harbor bacteria. 
    • Soak your toothbrush in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide or mouthwash to help reduce the bacteria. Immerse the bristles for about 15 minutes; any longer could damage them and a damaged toothbrush is not effective in cleaning your teeth.
    • Don’t wash your toothbrush in the dishwasher or use the microwave to disinfect them because the high heat can damage the bristles.
    • Toothbrush sanitizer devices are also available. If you choose this method, make sure it is approved by the FDA. No sanitizer will remove all germs and if you buy one with an ultraviolet light, it may deteriorate the bristles which means you may need to replace your toothbrush more often.
    • Guard against a germy toothbrush if you are at a higher risk of infection, and rinse or soak as previously described. If you are sick, consider using a disposable toothbrush until you are well.

     

    Toothbrushing Should Be Gentle with Fluoride Toothpaste

    • We all know that we’re supposed to brush our teeth twice a day, but did you know you should brush for two minutes each time? 
    • To brush for two-minutes you might need to set a timer or turn on your favorite two-minute song. Just do what it takes to preserve your pearly whites and watch this video to learn the proper way to brush your teeth.
    • Brush after breakfast and before bedtime. 
    • You should also floss at bedtime to prevent food and debris from remaining in the crevices of the teeth overnight. 
    • Brushing and flossing in this way could prevent the build-up of plaque, which is the main cause of tooth decay.

     

    Properly Store Your Toothbrush When You Have Finished Brushing Your Teeth

    Be sure to thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after toothbrushing. Make sure there is no debris or toothpaste left on it and store it in an upright position to let it air dry. Open air is better than storing it in a closed container, which promotes microbial growth.

     

    Make an Appointment with Dr. Evanson

    Twice a year visits with Dr. Evanson will help her make sure you’re doing an effective job of brushing your teeth and this timeframe will help her catch any problems in the early stages of development.  

    If you have questions or concerns about your oral health, call for an appointment at (720) 409-0008 or visit our website, which provides information about the broad spectrum of services we provide.

     

    Toothbrushing and flossing are the best oral hygiene habits you can have to reduce your risk for oral health diseases, so brush, brush, brush your teeth!

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