Brushing Teeth Tips For a Bacterial Brush-Off
Brushing your teeth has come a long way since ancient times. Imagine brushing with frayed tooth twigs as the Egyptians did, or using boar’s hair bristles mounted on ivory or bamboo handles in 15th-century China. Europeans once opted for horsehair substitutes. If these historical toothbrushes aren’t enough to make you cringe, consider the early toothpastes: crushed bones, oyster shells, hoof powders, charcoal, and soap were common ingredients. Thankfully, modern times have brought us advanced options, from nylon bristles post-World War II to today’s selection of ergonomic handles and electric varieties. If you’re seeking brushing teeth tips, here’s a comprehensive guide to achieving the best possible dental care.
Choosing Your Weapon: Modern Tools for Brushing Teeth
Whether you prefer an electric toothbrush or a manual one, the results can be equally effective if you brush correctly. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), here are the basics to consider when choosing your toothbrush:
Comfort: Choose a toothbrush that feels good in your hand and mouth, whether powered or manual. You’re more likely to use it regularly if it’s comfortable for you.
Safety: Use a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles to prevent irritation to your gums. Proper brushing tools should protect your teeth and gums, not harm them.
Cleanliness: Change your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three to four months to prevent bacterial buildup. After each use, rinse your brush thoroughly, store it upright, and let it air dry. Avoid storing brushes in closed containers, and never share your toothbrush to prevent exchanging bacteria.
Size: Select a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth. Adults can use children’s toothbrushes if preferred, as the key is reaching all areas of your mouth effectively.
Selecting Ammo: The Right Toothpaste for Brushing Teeth
When it comes to choosing toothpaste, finding one that suits your needs and doesn’t harm your teeth or gums is essential. Here are some components to consider:
Fluoride: This ingredient strengthens tooth enamel, prevents cavities, supports whitening, and reduces sensitivity by preserving the enamel covering the dentin layer. However, avoid excess fluoride intake, which can lead to tooth discoloration and other health issues.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): While SLS provides foaming action to lift away debris, it can cause canker sores, tooth sensitivity, and gum irritation in some people. Choose SLS-free toothpaste if you’re prone to these conditions.
Sodium Pyrophosphate: Common in tartar control toothpastes, this compound can increase tooth sensitivity and irritate gums. It prevents tartar but doesn’t remove existing tartar deposits.
Whiteners: Toothpastes containing hydrogen peroxide or baking soda can help remove surface stains and fight gum disease-causing bacteria. However, these can be irritating, so use them moderately.
Abrasives: Ingredients like hydrated silicas and calcium carbonates vary in abrasiveness. Dentists often recommend toothpastes with a low Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) score for those using electric toothbrushes or those with sensitive gums.
Mastering Technique: How to Brush Your Teeth Effectively
Adopting the right technique is crucial for effective plaque removal. Here’s how:
Frequency: Brush your teeth two to three times daily and floss at least once. Flossing removes plaque that toothbrush bristles can’t reach. According to the ADA, it doesn’t matter whether you floss before or after brushing.
Duration: Spend about two minutes brushing, focusing 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth. Most electric toothbrushes have timers, but if brushing manually, listen to a short song as a guide.
Pressure: Use gentle pressure. If it hurts or your gums bleed, ease up. Bristles fanning out prematurely indicate excessive force.
Angles: Position your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to engage both the gum line and tooth surfaces effectively. For the backs of your front teeth, hold the brush vertically.
Motion: Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine advocates for tiny circular motions or short back-and-forth strokes. Focus on small sections to ensure thorough cleaning.
Establishing Healthy Brushing Habits
Tooth brushing techniques may require unlearning old habits. Teach children good practices early to combat oral bacteria effectively. Regardless of your brushing skills, bi-annual dental cleanings and annual exams are crucial for maintaining oral health, as brushing alone may not remove all plaque.
If you’re looking for dental professionals to assess your oral care routine, contact East Wind Dental Care. Our Hillsboro practice is dedicated to keeping your smile healthy and bright.
For more information or to schedule a visit, call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198. Discover why we’re a preferred dentist in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland areas. Visit us at 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124, or explore our website at https://www.eastwinddentalcare.com.
East Wind Dental Care
Dental Implant placement in Hillsboro, Oregon, and Beaverton Oregon
family dentistry in Hillsboro
https://eastwinddentalcare.com
amily and Cosmetics Dentistry in Hillsboro, Oregon.
East Wind Dental Care Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon. We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful. East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health. When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Website: https://www.eastwinddentalcare.com
Dentist in Hillsboro, OR - East Wind Dental Care provides general dentistry in Hillsboro. Make your next family dentist appointment at East Wind Dental Care. General Dentistry, Preventative Dentistry, Pediatric (Kids!) Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Tooth Replacement. Crowns and Bridges, Dental Implants & Mini Dental Implants Dentures (with specialty), Complete denture, Partial Dentures.
East Wind Dental Care
Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon.
We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful.
East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health.
When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
East Wind Dental Care
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 17:00 and Saturdays with appointments.
Website: https://eastwinddentalcare.com/
Make an appointment online at https://eastwinddentalcare.com/contact-3/
