Are you brushing your teeth correctly?

Even though we’ve been brushing and flossing our teeth for years and years, many of us are surprised to learn that we’re not doing it properly.

Did you know that proper brushing takes at least two minutes?

Most adults do not come close to brushing that long. The following four steps are the best and easiest ways to help you remember how to care for your mouth, teeth and gums:-

• Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes, especially first thing in the morning and before bedtime
• Floss every day – usually at bedtime
• Limit the number of times you eat snacks each day
• Visit your dentist every six months for an oral exam and professional cleaning

Tips for Brushing Techniques

• Aim the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle towards the gum line
• Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
• Use a gentle circular motion
• Repeat on the inside surfaces
• Use a light back and forth motion on the chewing surfaces
• Spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
  

  Expert recommendations. Always use a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristle. The harder the brush, the greater the risk of harming your gums.

  Bristle options. Manual toothbrushes or replacement heads for your electric toothbrush are available with hard, medium, or soft nylon bristles. Soft bristles are the safest and most comfortable option for most people. You could damage the enamel protecting your teeth, root surface, and gums depending on the strength of the bristles and how vigorously you brush your teeth. Rounded bristle tips offer even more protection.

  Change your toothbrush regularly. Throw away your old toothbrush after three months or when the bristles start to flare, whichever comes first. If your bristles flare much sooner than every three months, you may be brushing too hard. Try easing up.